Court adjourns Obi’s petition, LP’s factional Chairman, Apapa mobbed

The Presidential Election Petition Court, today (Wednesday), adjourned the pre-hearing of the petition by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, against the President-elect, Bola Tinubu till Friday, May 19.

Justice Haruna Tsammani who led the five-member panel adjourned the petition till Friday for continuation of the pre-hearing session.

Lamidi Apapa and court Drama

Lamidi Apapa was mobbed by youths that were at the court to witness proceedings in the petition that Mr. Obi filed to challenge the outcome of the February presidential election.

Shortly after the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel adjourned the petition till Friday for continuation of the pre-hearing session, Apapa, while stepping out of the courtroom, made an attempt to address the media.

While he positioned himself before the waiting cameras, after Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), Peter Obi’s lead counsel, finished speaking to newsmen on what transpired during the court session.

As he was about to get started to answer questions, a group of youths that identified themselves as “Obidients”, pushed him away from the cameras, insisting that he lacked the right to speak for the party. The commotion went on for a while as aggrieved youths tore his clothes, however, he was taken into protective custody by security operatives at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

What caused the ensued drama

Earlier, a mini drama occurred in the court after Apapa attempted to announce himself as a representative of the party. He made his way to the line of chairs reserved for dignitaries and the petitioners immediately the main door to the courtroom was opened.

Obi was already seated by the time Apapa attempted to take possession of one of the seats but was blocked by members of the party led by a man that was identified as the LP’s National Youth Leader.