By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Shouts of ‘Ole! Ole! rented the air as Lamidi Apapa, who declared himself as the factional Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), was mobbed in court today. The incident occurred as youths, present to observe the proceedings of Mr. Obi’s petition challenging the outcome of Nigeria’s presidential election on February 25, swarmed around Mr. Apapa.
After Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), lead counsel for Peter Obi, addressed the media regarding the court session, Mr. Apapa positioned himself in front of the awaiting cameras. However, before he could field any questions, a group of youths who claimed to be the “Obidients” pushed him aside, asserting that he had no authority to speak on behalf of the party.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, with Mr. Apapa being jostled by the disgruntled youths, his ‘Agbada’ garment was torn, and someone even snatched his cap from his head. It took the intervention of armed security personnel to rescue Mr. Apapa from the mob, as he appeared helpless in the situation.
Subsequently, the self acclaimed factional LP Chairman was placed under protective custody by the police and escorted to the police office at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the venue of the Presidential Election Petition Court.