Politics
LP Faces new turmoil as Arabambi accuses Obi, Otti of Impersonation
***Calls on IGP to investigate Obi, Otti for alleged Felony;
The ongoing crises within the Labour Party (LP) have escalated as Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, who claims to be the National Publicity Secretary, has charged the Inspector General of Police to investigate Mr. Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti for alleged impersonation and felony.
Arabambi’s appeal to the IGP came after Governor Otti announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting, despite warnings from the National Working Committee (NWC) during an earlier emergency meeting to refrain from interfering in the party’s affairs.
Sources indicated that the meeting, convened by Governor Otti and scheduled for September 4 at the Government House in Umuahia, Abia State, is intended to address internal party issues, including allegations of corruption and concerns about the tenure of NWC members.
The proposed meeting is expected to include prominent figures such as Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed, and members of the National Working Committee. According to a circular, attendees will also include representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and several former and current lawmakers, among others.
However, Arabambi has condemned the planned meeting, labeling it unconstitutional and accusing Obi and Otti of falsely representing themselves as National Chairman and National Secretary.
He argued that the positions are not vacant and that their actions amount to criminal impersonation, a crime under Section 484 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act.
Arabambi gave Obi and Otti a 72-hour ultimatum to cancel the meeting, warning that failure to comply will result in a formal petition to law enforcement authorities, accusing them of fraud, impersonation, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
He described their actions as unconstitutional, irresponsible, and a national embarrassment, urging them to familiarize themselves with the Labour Party’s constitution.
This latest development follows a recent call from former National Treasurer Oluchi Okpara, who urged party leaders to convene an emergency meeting to prevent further internal strife. Okpara’s concerns were heightened by a response from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which indicated that it did not monitor the LP Convention in Nnewi, thereby rendering the actions of the National Chairman, Julius Abure, whose tenure supposedly ended on June 9, 2024, null and void.
She has called on elected party members, including Governor Otti, to come together to ensure the survival of the party by organizing a NEC meeting to plan for an inclusive convention.
Politics
Atiku, Obi Reunite Over Breakfast in Adamawa: A Taste of Unity?
In a notable display of camaraderie, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hosted 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State.
Atiku shared the encounter via a video on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, captioned: “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.’” The video featured both leaders, along with other guests, seated around a dining table, enjoying a meal and conversation.
This meeting is the latest in a series of post-election engagements between the two political heavyweights, following a similar gathering in May 2024.
Earlier this year, Obi also met with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, sparking speculation about renewed alliances.
Obi’s meetings marked his return to dialogue with former PDP colleagues after his defection to the Labour Party in 2022.
With this latest reunion, political observers are left wondering: Is a new alliance brewing, or is this simply a friendly meal between old rivals?
Politics
Labour Party Denies Alliance with Tinubu, Challenges Defamation Claims
The Labour Party has dismissed allegations of a partnership with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The accusations were made by lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who claimed that the party’s leadership, including its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, is collaborating with the ruling party.
In a statement issued by the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party described Adeyanju’s remarks as defamatory, baseless, and harmful to its reputation.
The party affirmed its commitment to its role as the leading opposition, citing its continuous critique of government policies and its push for reforms in Nigeria’s political system.
“The Labour Party has remained visible and vocal in interrogating system failures and proposing solutions. Our National Chairman, Barrister Abure, has been at the forefront of this effort,” the statement read.
The Labour Party highlighted key initiatives, including the formation of an Electoral Reform Committee to advocate for transparent elections and the introduction of e-membership registration to promote participatory democracy.
The party called on Adeyanju to provide evidence to substantiate his claims or withdraw his statement and issue a public apology.
It also warned against actions that could harm the party’s reputation and undermine its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Politics
NASS caucus assures PDP Will Bounce Back, insists Party is greater than Wike, Damagun
Senate minority Leader and key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Senator Abba Moro, has reiterated the party’s commitment to restructuring and regaining its electoral strength.
Speaking after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly caucus meeting on Wednesday, Moro addressed concerns about the party’s recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to prepare for future electoral challenges.
Moro emphasized that the PDP remains resilient despite recent losses, including gubernatorial elections, and is strategizing to strengthen the party.
“We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC)to take vital decisions on the state of the PDP,” Moro said.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”
Addressing allegations of vote buying in recent elections, Moro expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Everyone is worried about Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “INEC has faced criticism, but every failure is a lesson. We must ensure that mandates stolen from the people, like in Edo State, are restored. Failure should become a mechanism for future success.”
Responding to criticisms of PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, Moro dismissed claims that his leadership has been detrimental to the party.
“The PDP is not just about one individual,” he stated. “Damagun is the acting chairman, but PDP is about all its members. We are working round the clock to return the PDP to its winning ways.”
He also downplayed the influence of PDP members like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been associated with the APC.
Moro likened such political dynamics to bipartisan endorsements seen in the United States, emphasizing that PDP remains focused on rebuilding.
“Anyone working against the PDP today will have to contend with the resilience of PDP members,” he warned.
Highlighting the party’s long-standing reputation, Moro described the PDP as a resilient brand that has always bounced back from challenges.
“PDP is a brand,” he declared. “Despite temporary setbacks, we will bounce back. Once our electoral laws are strengthened, future election results will not be the same.”
When asked who should be blamed for the party’s challenges, Moro refrained from finger-pointing, stating:
“The most important thing is that something is not right. We are working to fix it, and we will get it right.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the PDP Senate caucus to revitalize the party and ensure better outcomes in upcoming elections.
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