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Your Tenure As Labour Party Chairman Has Expired, INEC Shocks Abure

Published

5 months ago

August 17, 2025

Eric

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has withdrawn its recognition of Julius Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party, in line with the Supreme Court judgement of April 4, 2025.

The move, which appears to resolve the protracted leadership crisis ravaging the LP in favour of the faction supported by the party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, elicited celebrations among party leaders last night.

The ululations were hinged on the support that the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman-led team would give Mr Obi in the 2027 presidential poll.

Faced with an unsupportive stance from Abure, the former Anambra State Governor joined forces with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Malam Nasir el-Rufai among others to drive a coalition that chose the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a vehicle to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.

Even at that, it is difficult to tell if Obi would get the presidential ticket of the ADC as opposed to that of the LP led by Nenadi.

The electoral umpire”s decision has laid to rest the controversy generated by the conflicting interpretations of the Supreme Court Judgement by factions of the LP.

INEC’s position was contained in an affidavit sighted, in Abuja, on Friday.

The electoral management body also invalidated the controversial convention held by the Abure-led faction in Nnewi, Anambra State on March, 27, 2024.

INEC had in response to the affidavit filed by Abure’s legal team, filed a counter affidavit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025.

In its counter affidavit deposed to by its Executive Officer (Litigation and Prosecution), Mr. Ayuba Mohammed, INEC stated that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman of LP had expired as clearly stated in the Supreme Court judgement of April 4, 2025.

Explaining INEC’s decisions in its dealings with Abure and the LP after then, Mohammed deposed that: “The defendant (INEC) cannot accept and issue access code for upload of candidates nomination forms EC9, EC9f and EC 9g for the bye-election scheduled for 16/8/2025 to plaintiff (Abure-led LP) as there were no valid National Chairman and National Secretary for defendants to deal with as provided in exhibit INEC 2.”

On the issue of the Nnewi Convention purportedly held by Abure, INEC affirmed that it neither monitored nor recognized the controversial March 27, 2024 “National Convention” in Nnewi, Anambra State, where Abure claimed he was re-elected, noting that the entire exercise was conducted in breach of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s own guidelines, and the Labour Party’s constitution.

INEC also referenced the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025 judgment (Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025), which struck out the suit underpinning Abure’s claims for lack of jurisdiction, effectively nullifying all prior rulings that had purported to affirm his leadership.

Reacting, to the latest development, the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, welcomed INEC’s stance and extended the olive branch to aggrieved party members urging them to join her in the task of rebuilding the party.

In a statement she issued in Abuja, Usman said: “I received with profound relief and deep satisfaction the news of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, which today dismissed in its entirety the case instituted by Mr. Julius Abure against the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“This latest judgment aligns squarely with the earlier decision of the Supreme Court, delivered on 4 April 2025 in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025, which unequivocally nullified all previous recognitions of Mr. Abure’s purported leadership of the Labour Party. In its wisdom – and in strict adherence to the Supreme Court’s final pronouncement – the Federal High Court in Abuja rightly struck out the originating suit for want of jurisdiction. That decision of the apex court remains binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria pursuant to Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I must also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for the clarity, courage, and institutional integrity reflected in its counter-affidavit during the pendency of the case.

“In that sworn testimony before the court, INEC categorically confirmed that the tenure of Mr. Abure, along with that of the entire National Executive Committee, expired in June 2024.

“The Commission further affirmed that it neither monitored nor recognised the purported National Convention held in Nnewi on 27 March 2024, having found it to be in flagrant breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, INEC’s own Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, and the Labour Party Constitution.

“This unequivocal position, rendered under oath by the nation’s electoral umpire before a competent court of law, removes all lingering doubts and reinforces the imperative for every member, officer, and stakeholder of our great party to submit, at all times, to the supremacy of our Constitution and the dictates of the rule of law.

“With this judgment – and INEC’s clear, unambiguous stance – it is time for all members of the Labour Party to put this needless distraction behind us and to recommit ourselves to the urgent task of rebuilding and repositioning our party into the credible, disciplined, and people-centred political movement that Nigerians deserve.

“Under my leadership as Interim National Chairman, I remain unwavering in my commitment to ensuring strict compliance with our party’s Constitution, entrenching transparent internal democratic processes, and restoring unity, discipline, and shared purpose as we prepare for the political contests ahead.”

Speaking in a similar vein, the party’s former National Treasurer, Mrs. Opara said the deposition “removes any lingering doubt” about the leadership question.

Source: Vanguard

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Apapa Tanker Accident: Scooping Spilled Fuel is Suicidal, Sanwo-Olu Warns Lagos Residents

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Eric

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the scooping of fuel by residents at the Apapa Bridge as a “suicide mission,” warning that the Lagos State Government will intensify enforcement to prevent actions capable of triggering mass casualties.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at the signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the Lagos House, Ikeja, shortly after reports emerged of residents rushing to scoop spilled fuel from a tanker incident at Apapa.

He expressed disappointment at the conduct, stressing that such behaviour places lives at grave risk.

The governor commended the swift intervention of Lagos first responders and the police, who cordoned off the area and brought the situation under control before any explosion or disaster could occur.

He cautioned residents to desist from reckless acts, noting that the State would “leave no stone unturned” in safeguarding lives and property.

Linking the incident to broader issues of indiscipline, Sanwo-Olu said the government would enforce tougher penalties against environmental and safety violations, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget makes provisions to strengthen the capacity of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and private sector participants, with plans to expand compactor truck fleets and deploy additional equipment.

“We have instructed LAWMA not only to apprehend offenders but also to ensure they are charged for environmental violations,” the governor said.

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2027: Oyegun Welcomes Edo Obidient Movement into ADC

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Eric

National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Oyegun, on Monday, said a new Nigeria is possible with the calibre of people joining the party.

Oyegun spoke in Benin at the mass entry of the members of the Obidient Movement into the ADC.

The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress stressed that the Obedient Movement’s entry into the party in the State is a sign that the people are ready to join the struggle for a leadership change.

Oyegun, who noted that he is happy that the Obidient movement is joining the ADC, added: “A new Nigeria is truly possible. A few days ago, I was in the hall when a colourful and important personality, Dele Momodu, joined us.

“Today is the first time I saw youths who were committed to the nation-building. It is my first time meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number. We are convinced that the youth of this country are ready.

“You have decided to take up the struggle yourself by joining the ADC. I am happy. I want to say that from the day the coalition came together, I have been convinced that we are on the right path.”

“I am sure you are not happy with what is happening in Nigeria and Edo State. Remember that the chairman said our one target is to save the country. We must start to make sure that, through the ADC, we make a new Nigeria possible.”

The State coordinator of Obidient Movement, Asemota Idiogbe, described ADC as the right party to battle APC in Edo and Nigeria.

He stated that he expects Peter Obi to become the party’s flagbearer and, eventually, the president of the country.

He said: “This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria. The ADC will take over Edo and the country. We expect Peter Obi to be the president. We are here to improve the party, not to ask for positions.

“We will influence the masses to vote for the ADC. The party is for people who want a better Nigeria. I want to let you know that the current leaders were the ones who made the Labour Party thick. Now that we have fused into the ADC, Labour is no more.

“We don’t share money to mobilise people. We are self-funded. Some of those who won on our platform betrayed us and joined the APC.”

State Chairman of the party, Kenneth Odion, commended the Obidient Movement for joining the ADC, noting that the party was poised to do well in the next election.

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Army Dismisses Mutiny Threat Against Tinubu’s Govt

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2026

Eric

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging threats of mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances, describing the claim as sensational and detrimental to national security.

The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said there has been no threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.

Anele said that such conduct is alien to its ethos, discipline and professionalism.

She said mutiny is a grave offence under military law and incompatible with the loyalty of Nigerian Army personnel to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Anele explained that the report relied on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, which did not reflect the views or disposition of officers and soldiers who were trained to address grievances through established military procedures.

Anele clarified that promotion increments is only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.

According to her, military remuneration includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary based on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.

She said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, is implementing structured welfare reforms, including periodic reviews of salaries and allowances, enhanced operational incentives, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.

The army spokesperson added that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had, since assuming office, initiated constructive engagements with relevant authorities on troop welfare, with positive outcomes already emerging.

Anele reaffirmed that the Federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, remains committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces amid evolving security challenges.

She urged the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information on the Nigerian Army.