The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party extended their congratulations to President Bola Tinubu following his victory at the Supreme Court. They urged the President to exhibit magnanimity in triumph. In the same statement, the faction took a swipe at their own presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for filing a petition that was swiftly dismissed by the justices, taking no more than 120 minutes.
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeals by Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party cemented Tinubu’s electoral win. The Labour Party faction praised the independence of the judiciary and hoped that President Tinubu would foster an all-inclusive government of national unity. They encouraged the losers, especially the PDP candidate, to demonstrate patriotism and unity, emphasizing that the government is for all citizens.
The faction also expressed appreciation for Atiku’s strong case despite his loss in court, acknowledging his continued relevance in Nigerian politics. However, they criticized Peter Obi, describing him as one of the party’s worst-ever candidates and highlighting the Supreme Court’s swift dismissal of his appeal.
When reached for a response, the Obi-Datti Campaign Council’s spokesman acknowledged the faction’s right to express their congratulations and support for the President. The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, refused to recognize the faction, dismissing them as renegades.