Politics
Labour Party denounces Calistus Okafor, says he is not a member
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**Insists there is no faction as its leaders can be verified with INEC
Labour Party Chairmen of three States of Kogi, Anambra and FCT have addressed a Press Conference at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday disowned the Okafor led group.
The chairmen were reacting to some social media reports that the group held a convention on Wednesday where they elected their Presidential candidate.
The Kogi State Chairman of the Party Ahmed Abu while addressing the media said,
“We are here to make some clarification and to set the record straight. We are angered by the fake news being circulated on the social media by Mr. Calistus Okafor who is claiming to be the national chairman of the party. He is unknown to the party. The authentic National chairman of the party remains Barrister Julius Abure
“We are aware of the fact that Okafor is being sponsored by one of the political parties that have ruined this country that is afraid of the rising profile of the Labour Party after the conduct of the last primary which ushered in Peter obi as the party’s Presidential candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general election.
He said the general public can very on INEC website at www.inecnigeria.org adding that it is not in doubt as to whom the authentic chairman of the party is.
The party’s chairman for FCT, Emeka Peters said
“It is not unusual that when a party is growing, some unhealthy fellows will start trying to gain cheap popularity by causing this type of issues.
According to him, in Minna at the National executive council meeting of the party the said Okafor was suspended for anti patty. “At Akwanga when we held our special and National Convention, he was also suspended.
“By all standards he is not a member of Labour Party and I don’t know where he is coming from. You have to be a member of the party before you claim to be a faction. There is no faction in Labour Party.”
State chairman of Anambra Labour Party Honorable Eme Ugochukwu Emmanuel said Okafor is from his State but his name is not in the Labour Party’s register.
“They are not members of Labour Party. We are not going to join issues with him, we are only urging our supporters, the members of the public, Nigerians who are now interested in the party to disregard whatever they are doing.
“We don’t have any other chairman other than Barrister Julius Abure. We have conducted our National Convention and Presidential primaries in Asaba where we elected Peter Obi as the authentic Presidential candidate of our party. “They are hungry people looking for whom to settle them.
NCFRONT Spokesperson Dr Yunusa Tanko had earlier described the group as anti democratic forces working towards causing disharmony in their chosen political party, the labour party, selected to lead our collective struggle.
He said one Mr Calistus Okafor has been parading himself and laying claim to the leadership of the Labour Party.
“In other to set the records straight and after careful investigation, the said Mr Calistus Okafor is no longer a member of the labour party.
“In 2018 Mr Calistus Okafor was suspended for anti party activities and was expelled from the party in 2019 for conducting an illegal and unconstitutional convention which was disregarded by INEC in 2017.
“The puported convention produced one Mr Mike Omotosho who died a couple of days ago to challenge the leadership of Alhaji AA Salam who we also lost to the cold hands of death last year. Alhaji AA Salam survived the onslaught where some of the assailant reconciled with Alhaji AA Salam and were reabsorbed into the party in the spirit of reconciliation.
“But Mr Calistus Okafor continued in his rebellion ways,which earned him the final exit from the party in 2019.
Mr Calistus Okafor confirmed this in a text message sent to one of our highly placed leader in the labour party. He said, and I quote ” I don’t have any intention to come back to the labour party no matter what, but they don’t understand because they feel threatened by my person ” .
“So he is no longer a member of the party . The said case that he seek to be consolidated with, was a case filed by the NLC which has long been settled by the NLC and the party.
“As we speak, the political commission of the NLC and TUC are fully incorporated into the labour party in the spirit of resqueing the country from the quagmire we find ourselves.
Consequently he decribed his claims as not having any basis or merit
“He is just seeking for attention and being used as an agent of destruction therefore, should be disregarded. We have also noticed that both APC and PDP are trying to cash in on this misleading individual.
“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to ignore this agent of undemocratic force with the strongest condemnation against the interest of the Nigerian state.
“We re affirm that Barr Julius Abure is the National Chairman of the labour party with Peter Obi as the Presidential candidate as elected in Asaba Delta State, observed by INEC officials on the 30th of May 2022.”
Politics
Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity
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Following a successful Advisory and Directorate Committees meeting held recently, the Obidient Movement has reaffirmed its commitment to a united, strategic, and value-driven political future.
The meeting, described as a milestone gathering, brought together key stakeholders and leaders within the movement to solidify strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Central to the discussions was the vision of ensuring competent, value-based leadership, with a strong emphasis on supporting Peter Obi and like-minded leaders who embody the movement’s ideals of integrity, good governance, and accountability.
Participants at the meeting underscored the importance of organisation, coordination, and active participation in driving the movement’s objectives.
The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reinforcing the need for structure, outreach, and grassroots mobilisation to sustain the momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Following the deliberations, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, fully aware of the responsibilities ahead.
National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko
expressed confidence in the movement’s direction, thanking those who have taken up leadership roles in various directorates and advisory councils.
“We deeply appreciate all those who have accepted appointments to serve in different capacities. Their contributions will be critical in shaping the movement’s future. We also salute the millions of Obidients across Nigeria and beyond who tirelessly advocate and mobilise for a better country. Your dedication is the heartbeat of this movement,” Dr. Tanko stated.
Continuing, he said eith renewed energy and focus, the Obidient Movement is set to expand its structures nationwide, ensuring greater coordination and effectiveness.
According to him, the movement will also empower supporters with the tools needed to actively participate in governance and political processes as well as sustained mobilization at all levels, to reinforce the push for transformative leadership in Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko urged all supporters to stay engaged, participate actively, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s cause.
He emphasized that a new Nigeria is within reach, but only through collective action and perseverance.
Finally, Tanko encouraged all Obidients to stay informed, join local chapters, and contribute to the shared vision of a better Nigeria.
For further updates and participation, he urged supporters to reach out via Obidient.unification@gmail.com.
Politics
2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs
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National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Olu Agunloye, has warned that alliances must go beyond mere power-seeking and instead be rooted in principles, ideology, and national development.
This is coming as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections with political coalitions and realignments taking center stage once again.
In a thought-provoking paper titled “The Tikanga for Alliances and Coalitions for Good Governance and Life More Abundant,” released in Abuja on Monday, Agunloye examined Nigeria’s history of political coalitions—highlighting their successes, failures, and the urgent need for a new approach.
Dr. Agunloye traced the failures of past alliances, including, the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA) of 1964, formed out of political expediency, lacking a unifying ideology.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 successfully unseated the ruling party in 2015 but failed to deliver long-term national development, leaving Nigeria struggling with insecurity, poor infrastructure, and economic challenges.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP 2018) despite signing a memorandum to support a joint candidate, it lacked a clear roadmap before the 2019 elections.
The National Consultative Front (NCF 2021) aimed to form a mega-party for the 2023 elections failed to implement its strategy within INEC’s timeframe.
Looking ahead to 2027, Agunloye urged political stakeholders to move beyond short-term electoral victories and instead adopt a structured, principle-based approach to coalition-building.
He emphasized that alliances should prioritize national security, social justice, and economic prosperity over personal ambition.
“Political partnerships must be built well in advance of elections, with clear strategies for leadership, policies, and campaign execution.
“Coalitions should not be a dumping ground for defecting politicians but a platform for individuals and groups genuinely committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“A blueprint for governance must be established before seeking electoral victory to prevent post-election chaos.”
Dr. Agunloye suggested that the SDP, under its current leadership, has the necessary structure to support a well-planned alliance.
However, he stressed that other political platforms could also contribute to building a coalition focused on national transformation.
“Nigeria does not need to reinvent the wheel,” he stated, urging stakeholders to learn from past coalition mistakes and work towards a grand alliance that prioritizes governance over politics.
As the 2027 elections approach, the critical question remains, will political leaders embrace a new, ideology-driven alliance or repeat the cycle of failed coalitions?
Politics
Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership
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A former National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Oluchi Oparah, has distanced herself from the position of the party’s National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, on the path to an Igbo presidency, insisting that Ndigbo must secure the presidency through merit, not ethnic sentiment.
Oparah’s reaction follows Abure’s recent statement at a South-East Labour Party rally in Abuja, where he reiterated the party’s commitment to supporting the Igbo for the presidency in 2027. According to Abure, the LP had zoned its 2023 presidential ticket to the South-East to “wipe the tears” of the region, urging Igbo leaders to realign and consolidate their political strength ahead of the next election.
However, Oparah, in a statement issued on Sunday, strongly disagreed with Abure’s approach, warning that framing the presidency as an ethnic entitlement rather than a merit-based contest could hurt Ndigbo’s chances.
“The notion that Ndigbo can only achieve the presidency by exploiting tribal and regional sentiments is not only misguided but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” she said.
She pointed to the performance of Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections as evidence that an Igbo candidate can gain nationwide support based on competence, integrity, and vision, rather than ethnic affiliation.
“Obi’s success was not built on ethnic sentiment but on his impressive credentials and performance record, which still speak for him today. If not for certain electoral irregularities, he could have secured the seat for the betterment of all Nigerians,” Oparah argued.
She further criticized Abure’s rhetoric, stating that it undermines the principle of national unity and meritocracy.
“Rather than promoting an ethnic-based campaign strategy, Ndigbo must focus on building a coalition of support across different ethnic and political groups. The presidency of Nigeria should be won based on competence, vision, and leadership, not sentiment,” she said.
Oparah urged political leaders to prioritize a unifying national agenda over ethnic considerations, warning that emphasizing tribal politics could alienate potential allies and weaken support for an Igbo candidate.
As the race for 2027 begins to take shape, her remarks signal a growing debate within the Labour Party and the wider political landscape over the best approach for the South-East to attain national leadership.
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