Olumide Akpata Joins ADC After Labour Party Exit

Olumide Akpata, who flew the Labour Party flag in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has officially pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former LP candidate was formally admitted into the party in Edo State by its chairman, Kennedy Odion, in the company of several political heavyweights. Among those present were former Edo governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor, ex-Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie, Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal lawmaker Murphy Omoruyi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. After being handed his membership card, Akpata revealed that Obi’s earlier move to the ADC on December 31, 2025, significantly influenced his own decision. He explained that he joined the party to help strengthen its structure and advance the collective aspiration of building a new Nigeria. He also thanked the ADC leadership for the warm welcome and praised the Obidient Movement for remaining consistent and resilient despite challenges. Speaking at the event, Obi reaffirmed his resolve to pursue national transformation. “Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, even though they are doing everything possible to stop us.” He stressed that Nigeria must be restructured to benefit all citizens rather than a privileged minority, adding that the country must transition from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on production. Earlier, Odion commended Obi’s steadfastness and assured that the ADC remains focused on national renewal. Odigie-Oyegun described the party as expanding steadily in both numbers and quality, insisting that Nigeria is in urgent need of rescue. Osunbor voiced confidence that the coalition spearheaded by Oyegun would propel the ADC to success in the 2027 general elections. Drawing parallels with the 2013 political alliance that culminated in the APC’s 2015 victory, he suggested history could repeat itself under the ADC platform. He also alleged that the ruling party was working against transparent electoral reforms ahead of 2027, citing opposition to real-time electronic transmission of results. According to him, only those with intentions to manipulate the process would resist credible and transparent elections, urging Nigerians to stay vigilant.

Read More

Labour Party Rules Out Merger Talks Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Labour Party (LP) has firmly stated that it is not in any merger discussions with other political parties as the 2027 general elections approach. Ken Asogwa, Special Adviser to Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, clarified the party’s stance during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday. Asogwa confirmed that the Labour Party intends to stand alone in the upcoming elections, just as it did in the 2023 polls. “In 2027, we hope to contest that election as a standalone political party,” Asogwa affirmed. “We participated in the 2023 election as a standalone political party, and Nigerians trusted us with their votes.” The party garnered more than 6 million votes in 2023, a figure that Asogwa described as a “shocker” to the nation. However, he acknowledged that certain issues prevented the party from clinching victory. “Some of those bottlenecks are being corrected now,” he said, adding, “So we believe that when those things are properly fixed, Labour Party will be in a position in the coming elections.” The Labour Party’s position signals its confidence in its independence as it prepares for the 2027 elections, with the goal of building on the momentum from 2023.

Read More

Court Confirms Nenadi Usman as Legitimate Labour Party Leader, Removes Julius Abure

The Federal High Court in Abuja has confirmed the removal of Julius Abure as national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), recognizing the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the party’s legitimate leadership. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who was present in court, shared the ruling on X, saying Justice Lifu delivered the judgment on Wednesday. The court upheld the Nenadi Usman-led committee as the only valid leadership of the Labour Party, reiterating that Abure’s tenure had expired in line with a previous Supreme Court ruling. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognize Nenadi Usman as the party’s leader. Effiong wrote: “I am currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja for a case. I listened to judgment delivered in another case. Honourable Justice Lifu has just upheld Senator Nenadi Esther Usman-led National Caretaker Committee as the only valid and lawful leadership of the Labour Party. The Judge reaffirmed that by the Supreme Court’s judgment, Julius Abure’s tenure had since elapsed. The judge ordered INEC to recognize Nenadi Usman forthwith.”

Read More
Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Labour Party Recognises Alex Otti As National Leader

The Labour Party (LP) has formally recognised Abia State Governor Alex Otti as its national leader while extending goodwill to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The decision was announced in a communiqué issued by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on Wednesday to address issues concerning the party’s stability, growth, and strategic direction. According to the communiqué, the NWC unanimously endorsed Governor Otti as the national leader of the party. It also expressed best wishes to Peter Obi, stating that the Labour Party’s leadership wishes him success in his future political pursuits and in his new party. The NWC further recognised former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s national chairman. The party explained that this position is consistent with the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as national chairman had expired. The Labour Party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Nenadi Usman and the National Secretary, Nwokocha, full recognition in line with the court ruling already acknowledged by the electoral body. It also reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the party would be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of its constitution, encouraging members at all levels to participate actively. The party thanked its members and Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that the Labour Party remains united and committed to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance. The Labour Party placed third in the 2023 presidential election, with Peter Obi as its flagbearer.

Read More

Datti Baba-Ahmed Denies Declaring Presidential Ambition

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has denied claims that he recently announced plans to run for president. Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments were misunderstood and wrongly presented as a declaration of presidential ambition. “I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago.” He explained that his recent statements were only meant to confirm that he remains a member of the Labour Party, especially amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and the roles of its prominent figures. While admitting that political possibilities may arise later, he stressed that no decision or announcement has been made. His clarification follows widespread reports suggesting he was positioning himself for a presidential bid ahead of the next general election, a development that triggered intense debate among supporters and political analysts. Providing further clarification, Baba-Ahmed said, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.” He added that any formal declaration would only come after the Independent National Electoral Commission releases its timetable and the Labour Party opens its internal process. “The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare.”

Read More

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Says He Will Support Peter Obi in 2027 If He Returns to Labour Party

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in 2023, has said he is ready to back Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election if the ex-Anambra governor returns to the LP. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed addressed Obi’s recent defection from the LP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that their personal relationship remains strong despite the political shift. “Peter Obi did not invite me to join him in ADC because everyone knows me. There are certain things you would rather not approach me with; people know me even while I was in Parliament,” he said. Baba-Ahmed added that his respect for Obi has not wavered. He recalled Obi attending a family wedding at his home, saying, “Our personal relationships are solid. Only on the 12th, he attended the wedding in my house, in person, where I have much, much, much respect for Peter Obi.” The former lawmaker said he would support Obi’s 2027 presidential ambitions if he fails to secure the ADC ticket and returns to the Labour Party. “If he doesn’t get the ADC ticket, come back, please. I will work for you and try to get him the ticket in Labour,” Baba-Ahmed said. He also promised to help reconcile Obi with any party members who feel aggrieved. “I will try and mend the ways between him and whoever are not in good terms with him,” he added.

Read More

Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition Under Labour Party

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has officially declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, amid ongoing shifts in the opposition landscape. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, made the announcement during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. The declaration follows Obi’s recent exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress, a move that has fueled debates over the party’s future and the direction of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next general election. Speaking to party supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition is independent of Obi’s political moves, noting that his desire to contest predates the 2023 election. He said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes. Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I had already aspired to run. The records are there for everyone to see.” Reflecting on his political journey, Baba-Ahmed recalled his 2018 attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, before later aligning with Obi in the Labour Party. “In October 2018, I contested in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even approached Obi for his support. He was gracious. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity with Obi in 2023, and that is why I chose to support him,” he explained. Addressing potential concerns about religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed affirmed that Nigeria’s constitution allows every qualified citizen to run for office. “Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am also Nigerian. The constitution permits me to contest, and I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said. While making his intentions public, Baba-Ahmed stressed his commitment to following party and electoral guidelines. “Until INEC releases the election timetable and the Labour Party officially calls for aspirants, I will not take any further action. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

Read More

Defection: Labour Party Lampoons Peter Obi, Begs Nigerians for Forgiveness

The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has lampooned the Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Mr. Peter Obi for defecting to the African Democratic Congress. This is contained In a statement made available by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, on Wednesday. Labour Party, in the statement took note of the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi and a few of his supporters to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, saying they also took note of the lacklustre speech Mr. Obi made at the occasion, and wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians. The statement read; “For us in Labour Party, we wondered why it took them this long to make the move because we have since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly. We have patiently waited for this day. The party is finally liberated by this defection and as Party leaders, we count it as a blessing. “It will be on record that the leadership of the Labour Party had since urged Obi and his disgruntled followers to exit the party if they were unable to work with the leadership of the party. As a matter of fact, the party had suspended many of the lawmakers for anti party and was clearly going to mete the same treatment on the Presidential Candidate but for the intervention of some well meaning Nigerians. “The crisis we had in Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti. It was them that sponsored the insurrection against the Julius Abure leadership. We had also expected Governor Otti to follow Obi out of the party. We are surprised that even though he has been suspended from the party, he is still loitering around. It is still not too late for him to follow his political leader.” The party also warned that the charade which took place in Enugu was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East. “All we saw were mere political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election. “This is clearly a danger signal that the Obi presidency (or Vice Presidency) is already a failed project from inception. He has clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior 2023. “He must be told that the South East lost out completely in the President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023. While some states of the federation boast as much as five ministers, the entire states in the South East was given a paltry five ministerial slot. The marginalization against the zone has continued even in infrastructure allocation and I wonder if the Southeast will repeat the same political harakiri again. “Finally, we urge Nigerians to watch out for the Labour Party. We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians. We are already working out the best prospect that we hope will bring Nigeria back to its glorious days.”  

Read More