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Why LP elected leaders must Save party from collapse, by ex-Treasurer

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Oluchi Okpara

***Commends INEC for being forthright in declining to endorse ill-fated Nnewi convention

***No, INEC did not rejected LP’s convention, says Ifoh

The crises rocking the Labour Party (LP) has refused to cease as its former National Treasurer Oluchi Okpara has called on leaders of the party especially elected members that are statutory delegates to wake up and save the Party from an impending disaster.

She spoke in Abuja on Saturday against the backdrop of a reply by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to an application for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the monitored report of the LP Convention in Nenewi, Anambra State for which the commission declared it did not monitor the convention and hence cannot report on it.
According to her, the tenure of Abure as National Chairman of the party elapsed since June 9, 2024, therefore any action by him and other members of the National Working Committee will be null and void forthwith.
According to her. The tenure expired in June 2023, but was extended by one year in Asaba by the NEC.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had disowned the Labour Party‘s National
Convention held in Nnewi Anambra almost immediately.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, had indicated then that the conduct of the LP’s convention was not monitored by the Commission.
Continuing, Okpara called on all elected members of the party, Governor Alex Otti, Senators, House of Representative members to come together to ensure the party does not die by convoking a NEC meeting to deliberate on the process that will lead to an a inclusive convention to be conducted at a later date.
“Our elected members should come together so that this party does not die in the hands of a man that is already drowning.
“We hereby wish to use this opportunity to thank the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the staff of the Commission for their steadfastness despite the pressure mounted on the Commission to look the other way and validate his ill-fated national convention.
“With the resilience and good faith INEC has exhibited in the face of these odds, we have come to the conclusion that the future of Nigeria’s democracy is in good hands.”
“We stand here as members of our great party, (the Labour Party) which has been in great turmoil since immediately after the 2023 general elections as a result of the obnoxious ambition of Julius Abure, the former National Chairman of our party whose tenure elapsed on June 9, 2024.
“Please recall that in the course of Abure’s ambition to remain as Labour Party chairman, – he spared no effort in undermining and transgressing all known legal and moral codes, including convoking, and writing the report of his ill-fated National convention which was boycotted and roundly rejected by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“INEC rejected the convention for being in contravention of the Labour Party’s Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties 2022.
“In light of the letter from INEC, the recognized and registered Labour Party Constitution as provided by INEC to us is that of 2019 so those parading themselves as elected National officers of the Party with the purported 2024 Constitution is null and void.
“The purported 2024 constitution was not accepted by INEC as well as every other aspect of the failed Nnewi Convention.
“This will put to rest all the lies Abure has been dishing out that the Independent National electoral commission (INEC) has approved his convention.”
She warned that if Abure is allowed to submit any Name to INEC it will void the candidacy of the prospective aspirant as he no longer has legal authority to do so.
“We know and aware that Julius Abure and his cohorts are hell bent on misinforming unsuspecting members of the public about the failed National Convention especially when it has to do with the election of National officers of our Party, and the amendment of our Party’s Constitution which INEC has refused to honour because of the lack of due process.
“No amount of propaganda can change badly taken decision when we all know it failed to follow lay down constitutional provisions, regulations and guidelines.”
The former treasurer alleged that immediately after the ill fated national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, Abure had boasted that he was going to give INEC so much cash in both local and foreign currencies to validate the illegality
“He was unfortunate enough to meet an INEC Chairman and Commission who have sworn to uphold the oath of office to carry out the spirit and the letters regulating the processes that have been laid down for the strengthening of internal party democracy within political parties in Nigeria.
“Ever since then, Abure has been running from pillar to post to make certain that INEC, which boycotted his ill-fated Nnewi national convention and did not monitor or observe the proceedings at the convention recognises and validates his illegality.
“The failure by the Julius Abure led leadership to follow simple regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the purported National convention is too obvious to be ignored by well meaning members of Labour Party.
“We sincerely thank INEC for upholding the law. We stand firm with the commission on the need for an all inclusive National Convention that will ensure that the proper thing is done.
In reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the party Obiora Ifoh said, “Our attention has been drawn to a reply by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to some meddlesome Interlopers, who are not members of the Labour Party, seeking for the Certify True Copy of our national convention report, wherein INEC stated that it did not monitor our March 27, 2024 convention hence it cannot grant their request.

“There is certainly no contradiction about the statement from INEC or the position of INEC to chose either or not to attend conventions of any political party.
“However, political parties are mandated to officially inform the INEC at least, three weeks of its intention to conduct the national convention.
“The Labour Party in compliance to the ‘Electoral Act of 2022’ did notify INEC of its intention to conduct its national convention on the 27th of March 2024, first on December 4th, 2023 (more than 3 months).
“This was followed by two other notices of change of venue which the party adequately notified the Commission and were acknowledged

“Also the Article 82 (2) of the electoral Act states “The Commission may, with or without prior notice to the political party attend and observe any convention, congress, conference or meeting which is convened by a political party for the purpose of (a) electing members of its executive committees or other governing bodies.
Therefore Ifoh said, it was not mandatory that INEC must be present during the internal party exercise.
“So, INEC’s inability to monitor the convention did not in anyway invalidate the internal party activity. INEC has also continued to respect the laws of the land despite pressure from certain quarters to compromise its civic responsibility.
“At no time did INEC said it has rejected the outcome of the convention of the Labour Party. We have since moved on from the very successful convention, and activities in the party have frenzied with huge membership drive and other political events.

“We therefore assure our members and party supporters to ignore the twist in some sections of the media, funded by some discredited former members of the party. Labour Party is safe and is in good hands.”

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Obidient Movement Gears Up for 2027, Strengthens Unity

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Obidient Movement Logo

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.

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2027 Elections: SDP’s Agunloye Calls for Ideology-Driven Alliances, Not Just Power Grabs

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Olu Agunloye

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?

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Ex-LP Treasurer Rejects Abure’s Igbo Presidency Push, Advocates Merit-Based Leadership

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Oluchi Oparah

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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