LP Reacts As Ex-Party Deputy Chair ‘Takes Over Party’, Moves To Conduct Convention

The Labour Party (LP) has issued a stern warning to Callistus Okafor, who has declared himself the party’s National Chairman, cautioning him against actions that could lead to contempt of court charges.

The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, addressed the situation on Friday in Abuja, responding to Okafor’s self-proclaimed leadership role within the party.

Naijaonpoint earlier reported that Okafor had asserted at a news conference that he was part of the 2014 National Convention of the Labour Party, claiming the position of National Chairman unilaterally.

Ifoh clarified the party’s position: “This latest development is coming after a Federal High Court in Abuja recently upheld the Nnewi Convention of the Labour Party, which elected a new set of executives led by Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman.”

He criticized Okafor’s actions, labelling him a “dramatist” seeking attention. “We seriously don’t know who is playing the drums for this former party member, especially since two successful National Conventions have occurred, and the party has progressed significantly beyond his claims.”

Ifoh reminded Nigerians of Okafor’s previous attempt in 2021 to declare himself the National Chairman, which resulted in legal challenges that he lost in both the High Court and the Appeal Court.

“Nigerians will recall that Mr Callistus Okafor also showed up in 2021 when he declared himself as the National Chairman of the party and proceeded to court and failed both in the High Court and in the Appeal Court,” he stated.

“The Court of Appeal clearly ruled that Callistus Okafor cannot use the Consent Judgement to position himself as the national chairman of the Labour Party. The court dismissed his case with substantial costs, which he has yet to address,” Ifoh noted.

Expressing surprise at Okafor’s recent actions, Ifoh emphasized the disregard for the Court of Appeal’s decision: “We are rather shocked and surprised that the same Okafor has come up again, going against the Court of Appeal decision.”

The Labour Party urged Okafor to reconsider his stance to avoid legal repercussions and uphold the court’s rulings.