Labour Party Nig

PRESS RELEASE

LABOUR PARTY WELCOMES SENATE'S PASSAGE OF THE STATE POLICE BILL

The Labour Party commends the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage, swiftness and sense of patriotism in passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation. The passage of this Bill therefore represents a significant step towards strengthening internal security and bringing law enforcement closer to the people.

While the Party acknowledges the concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, especially in view of our experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors, the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure.

The Labour Party is particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment Bill, especially the provisions contained in Section 17, which establish clear mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police. These safeguards, if faithfully implemented, should serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by any state executive.

The Party further notes that no policing model is perfect. However, given the evident limitations of the current centralised policing arrangement in adequately securing a vast and diverse country such as Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embrace innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.

As the Bill now awaits the concurrence of the State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent, the Labour Party calls on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation to rise above partisan considerations and lend their support to this important constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.

The Labour Party believes that with proper oversight, transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing can become a vital instrument for combating crime, enhancing community security and strengthening the federation.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
National Publicity Secretary
25 June 2026

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

LABOUR PARTY COMMENDS INEC FOR INCLUDING ITS CANDIDATE IN THE ENUGU NORTH SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION

The Labour Party wishes to commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for correcting the earlier omission of the Party and its candidate from the list of contestants for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

It will be recalled that when the Commission initially published the list of political parties and candidates cleared to participate in the by-elections across the country, the Labour Party and its candidate were conspicuously absent from the Enugu North Senatorial District poll, despite the Party having duly complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements.

However, following engagements with the leadership of the Commission, the oversight has now been rectified, and the Labour Party and its candidate have been appropriately included in the election. The Party is therefore fully prepared to participate in the by-election and offer the people of Enugu North a credible and people-oriented representation in the remaining part of the 10th Senate.

Consequently, and as stated in our previous communication on the matter, the Labour Party continues to express confidence in the leadership of Prof. Joash Amupitan and his commitment to fairness, justice, and due process. By ensuring that the right thing was done, the Commission has demonstrated responsiveness and reinforced public confidence in the electoral process.

The Party also wishes to appreciate its teeming supporters, members, and well-wishers who showed concern and made enquiries regarding the status of the Party in the forthcoming poll. Your vigilance, commitment, and unwavering faith in the Party remain invaluable.

As the campaigns enter their final phase, the Labour Party wishes its candidates in Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South-East, as well as all its candidates participating in the various by-elections across the country, success at the polls. We remain hopeful that the outcomes will not only be favourable to our Party but will also deepen Nigeria's democratic culture and strengthen the people's faith in the electoral process.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
National Publicity Secretary
13th June, 2026

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

LABOUR PARTY CHALLENGES INEC'S EXCLUSION FROM ENUGU NORTH SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION, SEEKS JUDICIAL REDRESS

The Labour Party has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the wrongful exclusion of its candidate from the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take place on 20th June 2026.

It will be recalled that the Enugu North Senatorial District seat became vacant following the unfortunate demise of the late Senator Okey Ezea of the Labour Party, who passed away on 18th November 2025. Following the release of INEC's timetable for the conduct of by-elections across the country, including that of Enugu North Senatorial District, the Labour Party, in compliance with the Commission's guidelines, formally notified INEC on 11th May 2026 of its intention to conduct its senatorial primary for the purpose of the by-election on 25th May 2026.

At the well-attended primary election, which attracted thousands of party members from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district, Amb. Simon Ejike Eze, a distinguished diplomat, emerged as the consensus candidate of the party.

The party is, however, deeply concerned that despite complying with all statutory requirements and procedural guidelines, it was denied access to upload the particulars of its candidate on INEC's nomination portal. Up until the close of the submission window on 2nd June 2026, the party made several efforts, including formal protests and correspondences to the Commission, seeking the resolution of the issue, but these efforts yielded no positive result.

The Labour Party maintains that it fulfilled every legal and administrative obligation required under the Electoral Act and INEC's extant regulations in the nomination of its candidate. It is therefore difficult to understand the basis upon which the party has been excluded from an election in which it has a legitimate and undeniable stake.

It is both disturbing and deeply concerning that the head of Elections and Party Monitoring (EPM) in Enugu State reportedly justified his refusal to transmit the report of the Labour Party's primary election on the flimsy ground that he was out of town on the date of the exercise and was therefore unable to observe or monitor it.

This excuse is untenable and raises serious questions about the discharge of official responsibilities. The Labour Party cannot be made to suffer the consequences of an official's absence, negligence, incompetence, or dereliction of duty. Electoral processes and the constitutional rights of political parties cannot be subjected to the convenience or personal circumstances of individual officers.

If indeed the officer was unavailable, it was incumbent upon him or the INEC in Enugu to ensure that appropriate arrangements were made for the monitoring and reporting of the exercise, rather than penalising a political party that duly complied with all statutory requirements.

In any case, the Electoral Act only requires political parties to duly notify INEC of their primaries, and it is worth restating that the Labour Party complied fully with this statutory requirement. In effect, the legality and validity of the exercise cannot be vitiated by INEC's absence, as neither the Electoral Act nor INEC's regulation makes INEC's physical presence a mandatory condition for the conduct or validity of a party primary election.

While the Labour Party continues to repose confidence in the leadership of INEC under the Chairmanship of Prof. Joash Amupitan, the party calls on the Commission to immediately investigate the actions taken by its senior staff in Enugu and take decisive action against any official found culpable. Electoral institutions derive their legitimacy from public trust, and every effort must be made to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

It would amount to a grave injustice for the Labour Party to be denied the opportunity of presenting a candidate in an election convened to fill a vacancy created by the death of one of its serving senators. Such an outcome would not only undermine the rights of the party and its supporters but also amount to a double jeopardy for the party, even as it tends to diminish the democratic choices available to the people of Enugu North Senatorial District in the coming by-election.

As the party places its confidence in the impartiality and wisdom of the Nigerian judiciary, it urges all its members and supporters in Enugu North and across the country to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful while the matter is being determined by the courts.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
National Publicity Secretary
8th June 2026

PRESS RELEASE

LABOUR PARTY PRESENTS DR. CHIBUZO OKEREKE AS ITS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE 2027 ELECTION

The Labour Party is pleased to formally present Dr. Chibuzo Okereke as its presidential candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election. He emerged following a broad-based consensus among party members and stakeholders which was affirmed in Abuja on 30th May, 2026.

A distinguished governance expert, policy strategist and reform advocate, Dr. Okereke has built an impressive reputation as one of Nigeria's leading voices on public policy, legislative governance and institutional development.

Dr. Okereke is the President of ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Governance Innovation and Policy Hub, a foremost policy and legislative research institution, and serves as Legislative Consultant to key committees and ranking members of the National Assembly. He is also a Resident Lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, Miva Open University, Abuja, where he contributes to the development of the next generation of public sector leaders and policy professionals.

A highly accomplished scholar, Dr. Okereke holds a PhD in Legislative Governance Studies and Master's degrees in Public Administration and Legislative Studies, both earned with distinction. His expertise in governance, public accountability and national development has made him a respected analyst and commentator on major national and international media platforms.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Okereke has remained committed to nation-building through youth empowerment, educational advancement and democratic reforms. His leadership, intellectual depth and proven commitment to good governance embody the vision of competent, accountable and transformational leadership that Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
National Publicity Secretary,
Labour Party
30th May, 2026

PRESS RELEASE

EID-EL-KABIR MESSAGE FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

As Muslims in Nigeria and across the world commemorate the sacred festival of Eid-el-Kabir (Eid al-Adha), the Labour Party extends its warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the entire Ummah on this solemn and spiritually significant occasion.

Eid al-Adha symbolizes the profound faith, obedience, sacrifice, and total submission exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) in his total devotion to the will of Almighty Allah. These enduring virtues remain timeless lessons not only for the faithful but also for leaders and citizens alike as we strive to build a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society.

Beyond the festivities, this holy season calls for deep reflection, renewed spirituality, selflessness, and greater commitment to the service of humanity. It is a period to seek the mercy and guidance of Allah (SWT), strengthen our bonds with one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of love, humility, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

At a time our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, and growing social and ethno-religious tensions, the values embodied by Eid al-Adha have become even more urgent and relevant. We therefore urge Nigerians to embrace compassion, generosity, and mutual understanding, especially towards the less privileged and vulnerable in society.

The Labour Party also calls on those entrusted with leadership and public responsibility to govern with justice, fairness, equity, and empathy in line with the noble teachings of Islam, which place great emphasis on the welfare and protection of the people, ideals that the Labour Party vigorously pursues. This is a defining moment for leaders at all levels to rise above selfish interests and work sincerely towards alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

As we celebrate this blessed festival, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) accepts our sacrifices and acts of worship, grants peace and prosperity to our nation, and continues to guide us on the path of righteousness.

Eid Mubarak to all Nigerians. May this celebration bring abundant blessings, divine mercy, peace, and renewed hope to every home.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
National Publicity Secretary
27th May, 2026

Press Release From the Labour Party

LABOUR PARTY SUBMITS LIST OF INTERIM STATE WORKING COMMITTEES TO INEC, CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP REVALIDATION COMMITTEE

In line with the Constitution of the Labour Party and the resolutions of the Statutory NEC meeting held on 18th July 2025 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Labour Party on 5th December 2025 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the list of State Working Committee members for 32 states of the Federation and the FCT.

The State Working Committee lists for Ondo, Ekiti, Niger, and Kwara States are currently being finalised and will be forwarded to INEC in a subsequent correspondence. The Labour Party urges party faithfuls in the affected states to remain patient as urgent steps are being taken to resolve local issues involving party leaders in these four states.

Furthermore, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the party’s preparedness for the 2027 presidential, national, and local elections, the Labour Party has notified INEC of the constitution of a National Steering Committee for Membership Revalidation/New Registration. This committee will also oversee the national launch of the Labour Party’s Nationwide Membership Drive, codenamed Labour Party Connect 10 Million Nigerians… Connecting 10 Million Patriots for a New Nigeria.

The Membership Revalidation/New Registration exercise is chaired by His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State, with Comrade Ladi Iliya and Dr. Kingsley Okundaye serving as Deputy Chairmen with Kamal Yusuf Ahmed as Secretary.

The Labour Party enjoins its members and teeming supporters nationwide to take full advantage of the revalidation exercise scheduled to commence on December 17, 2025 and end on January 20, 2026, in order to revalidate their membership of the party. The party also calls on Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of the current APC government's misrule to register with the Labour Party and be part of the movement for a New Nigeria.

The Party also urges the newly constituted Interim State Working Committees to cooperate fully with the National Steering Committee for Membership Revalidation/New Registration to ensure a seamless exercise and to help the party surpass its projected target of registering 10 million members within the stipulated time frame.

The Labour Party expresses profound appreciation to the Nigerian people, especially the media, for their steadfast support during recent challenging times. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant, as the forces that orchestrated the past crises - now resolved by the apex court - are still lurking around.

Labour Party… Forward Ever!

Ife Salako
Interim National Publicity Secretary
5th December 2025

Press Release from the ADC Kaduna State Chapter

SENATOR NENADI USMAN AND HON. BASHIR SAIDU ARE LEADERS OF THE COALITION IN KADUNA STATE, NOT LEADERS OF THE ADC

The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kaduna State Chapter, has been drawn to certain misrepresentations surrounding the recent appointments of Chairman and Co-Chairman made by the Coalition Partners in Kaduna State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the ADC as a political party maintains its duly elected leadership structure, which remains intact and unaffected by the appointments made by the coalition partners.

The Coalition Partners is an alliance of individuals, political parties, and interest groups who have come together in a collective, patriotic effort to rescue Nigerians from the current hardship and maladministration of the rudderless APC government.

It is a matter of public record that leaders and stakeholders of several political parties, including the Labour Party, have been part of this coalition movement from inception. In order to coordinate coalition activities more effectively in Kaduna State, it became necessary to designate leadership positions within the coalition, hence the appointment of a Chairman and Co-Chairman.

These appointments are entirely separate and distinct from the leadership structure of the ADC in Kaduna State. It’s mainly to provide leadership to unite all opposition political leaders in the state. The elected State Executive Committee of the ADC remains in full charge of the party’s affairs and operations within the state.

Accordingly, the appointment of Senator Nenadi Usman, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, as Chairman of the coalition efforts in Kaduna State, aligns perfectly with her party’s commitment to the coalition. It is well known that the Labour Party leadership, stakeholders, and even its 2023 presidential candidate have been active participants in this collective rescue mission aimed at liberating Nigerians from the grip of the APC.

This clarification has become necessary to dispel the false narrative being circulated in some quarters that Senator Nenadi Usman has defected to the ADC. That claim is entirely false.

Signed:
Elder Patrick D. Ambut
Chairman ADC,
Kaduna State Chapter
Date: 28th October, 2025

Press Release From the Labour Party

INEC’s Acting Chair in Criminal Collusion with Julius Abure Over Fake Court Order - She Must Be Arrested

The Labour Party has uncovered yet another brazen assault on our democracy - this time orchestrated by Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in connivance with the former National Chairman of our party, Mr. Julius Abure.

The Nigerian people will recall that on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu convened a meeting with leaders of the eighteen (18) registered political parties, during which Mr. Julius Abure was curiously invited. Barely twenty-four hours later, on 15th October 2025, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu attempted to justify this reckless action by citing an alleged order from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwagwalada, purportedly directing INEC to recognise Mr. Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

In her defence, she stated that INEC was merely obeying a court order, claiming that if the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman presented a valid judgment in their favour, the Commission would comply accordingly.

However, our independent and painstaking investigation has revealed that no such court order exists. While it is true that Mr. Abure filed a suit against INEC in Suit No: CV/1914/2025, before Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye of Court 40, FCT High Court, Gwagwalada, our formal request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of any order purportedly recognising him as Chairman was met with a categorical confirmation from the court that no such order was ever granted.

We therefore challenge Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu to produce the so-called court order that she relied upon to accord recognition to Julius Abure. The truth is that INEC’s acting leadership has willfully relied on a fabricated and non-existent order to justify an illegal and politically motivated act. Although it would have still been null and void even if such order existed, especially in the face of the Supreme Court’s unambiguous judgment of 4th April 2025 which conclusively upheld Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership of the Labour Party, it smacks of fraud, scant regard for our laws, meddlesomeness, and partisanship for Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu to have dragged INEC into this web of political criminal conspiracy to commit this judicial heist.

This shameful episode represents a new low in the history of INEC. It exposes Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu as a clear danger to Nigeria’s democracy, and as such, we call for her immediate arrest and prosecution for complicity in the criminal forgery of a court order and for acting as an accessory after the fact in a crime against the Nigerian people.

Accordingly, we direct our supporters nationwide to begin immediate mobilisation for a peaceful occupation of INEC Headquarters until Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu is arrested and prosecuted, and until INEC fully complies with the binding Supreme Court judgment affirming the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.

As the incoming substantive Chairman of INEC prepares to assume office, we urge him to urgently address this grave injustice and purge the Commission of the elements of destabilisation led by Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu and her co-conspirators.

Ken Eluma Asogwa
Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman

23rd October 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Agents of Election Manipulators Maliciously Compare Governor Alex Otti’s Lawful Warning to Calls for Ethnic Violence — Obidient Movement (North Central) Condemns the Smear and Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful, Lawful Elections

Abuja, Nigeria — October 17, 2025 — The Obidient Movement — North Central Zone — strongly condemns the deliberate and malicious attempt by agents of election manipulators to equate a lawful, targeted warning from His Excellency Governor Alex Otti of Abia State with an entirely different and reprehensible call for ethnic violence reportedly made by MC Oluomo.

Governor Otti’s statement — a clear, firm message directed at individuals and gangs who engage in vote‑buying, ballot snatching, intimidation and other forms of election manipulation — was properly aimed at protecting the integrity of the ballot and the safety of voters in Abia State. He warned that those who plan to rig elections should “first write their own will” — a blunt admonition to criminals who habitually rely on armed violence and thuggery to steal the people’s mandate.

It is a false and dangerous comparison to equate that warning with any statements that encourage violence against ethnic groups or call for disenfranchisement along communal lines. The Obidient Movement rejects all calls for ethnic violence or hate, and we will not allow criminal networks and their propagandists to rewrite the facts for political cover.

“As Nigerians prepare for the critical 2027 general elections, we will not tolerate the laundering of criminal intent into political critique,” said Emmanuel Idakwo, North Central Spokesperson, Obidient Movement. “Governor Otti’s message targeted criminals who plan to turn our polling units into battlegrounds for stolen mandates. To compare that to any call for ethnic disenfranchisement is both dishonest and dangerous. We stand unequivocally for lawful, peaceful protection of the vote.”

Key points:

Different messages, different motives. A warning issued to armed election criminals who have historically used violence and intimidation to steal votes is not equivalent to rhetoric that incites hatred or communal violence. Conflating the two is a deliberate tactic designed to distract from the real issue — organized election manipulation.

Election rigging is a criminal act. Those who plan or carry out vote‑rigging — whether through thugs, armed gangs, or collusion with party operatives — must be investigated and prosecuted under the law. The Obidient Movement calls on security agencies, electoral bodies and the judiciary to act decisively and transparently against perpetrators.

The people’s will must prevail. The governor’s protection of voters and legitimate results is in defense of democracy and the popular will. Attempts by vested interests to silence or smear defenders of free and fair elections will not succeed.

No to hypocrisy. Many who now feign outrage at Governor Otti’s warning have remained silent in the face of threats to turn states into fiefdoms for particular parties. We will expose those double standards and hold them accountable in public debate and at the ballot box.

Non‑violence and civic mobilisation. The Obidient Movement reiterates its commitment to peaceful, lawful action. We encourage voters across the North Central and the nation to organize, observe, and report irregularities. Civic vigilance — not intimidation — is the path to a new, more accountable Nigeria.

We call on:

1. Security agencies to investigate and neutralize organized criminal groups that plan to disrupt the electoral process;

2. INEC and election observers to strengthen polling‑unit security and chain‑of‑custody measures;

3. Political parties and leaders to publicly renounce the use of thugs and criminal networks; and

4. Citizens, youth groups, and civil society to mobilize peacefully and protect the sanctity of the vote.

The Obidient Movement stands with all Nigerians who believe that a new Nigeria is possible — one where ballots decide leadership, not bullets, bribes or banditry. We will continue to call out manipulation, defend lawful warnings aimed at criminals, and urge a decisive, legal response to anyone who seeks to steal our democracy.

For further information or media chat, contact:
Comrade Emmanuel Idakwo, North Central Spokesperson, Obidient Movement
Email: [email protected]
08078167147

Press Release

INEC MUST RESPECT COURT JUDGEMENTS ON LABOUR PARTY LEADERSHIP

The Labour Party has noted, with deep concern, reports that the erstwhile National Chairman of the Party, Barr. Julius Abure, attended the quarterly consultative meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties held on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.

While this brazen act of impersonation may appear comical to some, it is, in truth, a tragic reflection of the extent to which certain elements within INEC are willing to compromise the integrity of the Commission by lending themselves to such ignoble conduct - in utter defiance of valid and subsisting court judgements, including that of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

For the avoidance of doubt, on 4th April 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025, delivered a unanimous landmark judgement unequivocally declaring that Barr. Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the Labour Party. This pronouncement was further reinforced by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1523/2025, delivered on 15th August 2025, which expressly rejected Julius Abure's prayers based on the earlier judgement of the apex court that held that he was no longer the national chairman of the Labour Party.

It is instructive to note that in the said latter suit, INEC itself deposed to a counter affidavit dated 13th August 2025, affirming under oath that Julius Abure was no longer the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

Against this background, therefore, the Labour Party views the conduct of certain rogue elements within INEC who permitted Abure’s attendance at the meeting as not only reprehensible but also a deliberate affront to the authority of our courts. INEC cannot, in one breath, depose under oath that Abure is no longer chairman, and in another, accord him recognition. Such conduct amounts to contempt of court and a grave desecration of the sanctity of our judicial system, particularly the pronouncements of the Supreme Court.

Even the former INEC leadership, despite its alleged partisanship and meddlesomeness, demonstrated better respect for the rule of law. On 29th July 2024, INEC under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu ordered Barr. Julius Abure out of its consultative meeting with political party leaders, on the clear grounds that he was no longer the National Chairman of the Labour Party. That decision came even before the Supreme Court and Federal High Court judgements that have since laid the matter to rest.

The question, therefore, is: from where did the present actors within INEC derive the authority to override and overrule these court pronouncements and enable Abure’s participation in today’s meeting? This reckless display of impunity is unacceptable and must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

While the current INEC leadership may be transitional, it must remember that even a brief tenure can leave a lasting stain on history. Every action taken today will be judged tomorrow. Posterity records everything.

The Labour Party therefore calls on INEC to immediately enforce the valid judgements of our courts regarding the leadership of the Party. If the current leadership lacks the courage to uphold the rule of law, it should at least refrain from further tarnishing what remains of the Commission’s credibility before its eventual exit.

Signed:
Ken Eluma Asogwa
Senior Special Adviser, Media,
to the Interim National Chairman, Labour Party, Senator Nenadi E. Usman.

14th October, 2025