***Says Party Is Not on APC’s Payroll

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly denied allegations that its leadership received a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as claimed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said it was not aware of any bribe payments to opposition leaders and had never received funds from individuals, organizations, or governments outside its own membership.
The LP expressed shock and disbelief at Atiku’s statement, which was made during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja.
The former Vice President had alleged that the APC government was offering opposition party leaders ₦50 million each to undermine democracy.
“We are shocked that a high-caliber politician like Atiku Abubakar, who has contested elections all his life, would make such a reckless, unfounded, and unguarded statement without proof.
“If he has concrete evidence, he should present it instead of relying on mere gossip from unnamed sources,” the statement read.

The party emphasized its commitment to transparency and integrity, stating that it had run a frugal administration with internally generated funds and had not received financial support from external bodies, including its own elected representatives.
Reiterating its role as Nigeria’s most formidable opposition party, the Labour Party stated that it had remained steadfast in challenging the ruling government and had been at the forefront of the most serious political campaign in the 2023 general elections.
“Our leadership has never been on any payroll. Salaries and payments in government are public records that can be easily verified. Atiku should focus on his own party rather than making baseless allegations that undermine the sacrifices of the opposition,” the party added.
The statement also stressed the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy, warning that attempts to discredit opposition parties weaken democratic institutions.
The Labour Party challenged Atiku to provide concrete evidence to back his claims, warning that if he fails to do so, Nigerians may begin to see his statements as politically motivated and lacking credibility.
“If Atiku cannot provide proof, Nigerians will be forced to take his words with a pinch of salt. He should be careful with generalized allegations that diminish the role of the opposition in a democracy,” the party concluded.

***Calls for Strong Opposition to Strengthen Democracy

By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja

The federal lawmaker representing Esan Central/West/Igueben Federal Constituency in Edo State, Hon. Marcus Onobun, has expressed deep concern over the internal leadership struggles within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Hon. Onobun described the factionalism and divisions within the PDP as troubling but unsurprising, emphasizing the importance of a united and strong opposition in holding the government accountable.

“A strong opposition is crucial for keeping the government in check. Without it, even the most capable government can become complacent,” he stated.

Hon. Onobun reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP but stressed that political affiliations should not hinder service delivery. “Politics is local, and our primary duty is to serve the people. Whether you’re in the PDP, APC, or any other party, the focus must be on improving the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
Hon. Onobun criticized the current Edo State government for dwelling on past administrations instead of addressing the immediate needs of the people.
“In Edo, we see a government fixated on criticizing former Governor Obaseki rather than crafting policies and programs to improve the future. Edo people deserve governance that meets their aspirations, not endless disputes about past figures,” he remarked.
He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to adopt a collaborative governance style and engage with local leaders and experts to move the state forward.
“I hope the governor focuses on governance. The people of Edo deserve leadership that prioritizes their well-being and development,” he added.
Hon. Onobun also criticized the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen, calling the process unlawful. “The constitution mandates transparency and due process in such matters. The recent actions reflect a disregard for the rule of law,” he said.
Hon. Onobun, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, expressed alarm over the significant reduction in the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget for 2025.
The budget allocation for the ministry has dropped from over ₦200 billion in 2024 to approximately ₦70 billion in 2025, a cut Hon. Onobun described as “shocking” and detrimental to food security and rural development.
“2025 should be a year of hope after the economic hardships of 2023 and the palliatives of 2024. However, the drastic cuts to agriculture funding raise concerns about the government’s ability to tackle food insecurity and stabilize the economy,” he stated.
He revealed that his committee had raised the issue with the Appropriations Committee and written to the executive, urging a reconsideration of the budget allocation to agriculture.
“This is not the time for excuses. Nigerians need real solutions. A reduced agricultural budget undermines efforts to address hunger, poverty, and rural development,” Hon. Onobun warned.
He emphasized the importance of a budget that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians, calling for solutions to the ongoing economic challenges. “Nigerians are tired of excuses. They need a budget that instills confidence in their government and addresses their needs, not political interests,” he said.
As budget discussions and political dynamics unfold, Hon. Onobun remains optimistic that the government will prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for the country.

As the Labour Party (LP) faces growing internal discord, stakeholders and professionals within the party have issued a stern warning to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. They caution that his perceived role in the party’s current crisis could jeopardize both the party’s future and his political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Alliance for All Labour Party Professionals and Stakeholders (AALPS), led by Dr. Blessing Elaigwu, has criticized Obi for allegedly fostering division rather than uniting the party after the 2023 elections. The group accuses him of supporting attempts to undermine the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, a move they believe has plunged the Labour Party into unnecessary legal battles.

“The infighting is not only stagnating the party but is also a betrayal of the trust millions of Nigerians placed in him during the 2023 elections,” Elaigwu said.

This critique comes as other political parties are already laying the groundwork for 2027, while the Labour Party remains mired in internal strife. The group claims that Obi’s alleged interference has shifted focus from consolidating gains made in 2023 to addressing avoidable leadership disputes.

Observers within and outside the Labour Party argue that the current discord could harm the party’s standing as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties. “The Labour Party should be building on its momentum, not tearing itself apart,” said a political analyst.

Some members of the public have also expressed disappointment, with many questioning why a party that once symbolized hope for millions appears unable to manage its internal affairs. “If the Labour Party cannot resolve its issues, how can it convince Nigerians it can govern the country effectively?” asked Tunde Ajayi, a Lagos-based political commentator.

The AALPS has urged Obi to resolve the crisis through dialogue, warning that prolonged litigation and division could alienate the electorate. They further stressed that the party’s progress should not hinge on a single individual, no matter how influential.

With a 48-hour ultimatum issued to engage in reconciliation, the ball is now in Obi’s court to either mend the fractures or risk losing the goodwill that catapulted him to prominence in 2023. As the nation watches closely, the Labour Party’s handling of its internal crisis could determine its trajectory for years to come.