The Rapture, the Capture and the Rupture of Today's Labour Party

Apagun 

On the beautiful morning of January 19th 2026, every member of the Labour Party was expecting a judgement that will make or mar the political party that has been entrenched in a long legal battle of ownership, but was greatly disappointed that the judgement had been adjourned. The atmosphere was tensed as everyone can sense prevailing danger, sniffing a tilt from the cliff of the mountain, whosoever side that received the shocks will definitely lose the locks to the national Secretariat. It was adjourned to 21st of January, as some believed it was not too bad but to some like me, I was jittery.

Then came the moment, I couldn't muster the courage to monitor it live, but moments after the historical judgement, news filtered out, it was a moment of intense pleasure, joy, or overwhelming ecstasy. A moment the supporters of the Nnenadi Usman's faction was raptured!

*The Rapture: When mandate vanishes into thin air*  

While we were enraptured and jubilant, some disappointed and dissatisfied political apologists quickly reconvened together watching closely as the events unfolded, switching allegiance and repositioning themselves at the highest level, mediating and negotiating positions down to the grassroots at the expense of those who sought, aligned, fought and were greatly persecuted for standing up for this today's leadership of Labour Party yesterday. I can vividly remember November 17th 2024, when we broke out of the Abure faction to declare our support for the Caretaker Committee and inaugurate the Interim Executive Committee (IEC) of the Ogun State Labour Party, under heavy security at the expense of our blood, televised and broadcasted through Arise TV, Channels TV, published by Tribune, Punch, Vanguard and several bloggers.

Hence, our invitation to the Labour House during a retreat organized by the NTC, the Labour Movement and the Caretaker Committee when the horizon was opaque and the hope was slim. We gave Obiora Ifoh, some hard nuts to crack as he was forced to be making several counter press conferences and releases against us in order to quel the political inferno that would have consumed Abure if not checkmated, while Com. Tokunbo Peters, my dear brother, the erstwhile Publicity Secretary in Ogun State was given a sleepless nights as he engaged us day after day while we continued to wax stronger. We became a nightmare to Mr.Kehinde Sogunle and Com.Lookman Abiodun Jagun who was the State Chairman.

Now, think of the state Congress as an altar after surviving threats, persecution, unlawful arrests, defamation of characters, contempts as the Patriots are being sidelines while the traitors were being rewarded as we were being misrepresented, misconceived by reason of the calculated propaganda. During the Congresses, Delegates voted, winners are called, hands are raised. That moment should be a rapture: a lifting of the people's choice into public record. Instead, the national leadership performed a surgical mutilation. Results were edited mid-air. Names of actual winners were replaced by those who did not even participate before the communique cooled. While the report by the INEC clearly shows Apagun Olaolu Samuel emerged winner as the Chairman and published by the INEC through their notice board, the falsified memo to the INEC by the national leadership of the party states otherwise, causing confusion and frictions within the state structures.

It’s like a referee blowing the final whistle, the stadium erupts, then someone in the VIP box rewinds the tape and declares a different team scored. The crowd still heard the cheer, but the scoreboard was rewritten. That’s not correction. That’s erasure. If internal democratic processes are not allowed to thrive and prevail in democratic institutions, definitely like Fela said, "Democracy can then be best defined as demonstration of crazy people".

*The Capture: Institutional hijack in slow motion* 

 

Undemocratic handling of Congress disputes is not chaos. It’s capture. When the party’s national organs treat every case emanating from the state as a threat to be managed, not a voice to be heard, in an institutional party that believes in Equal Opportunities and Social Justice, the institution stops being a platform and becomes a vault. Only those with the combination get to decide who walks in.  

 A bank built with depositors’ money, but only the manager’s cousins can make withdrawals. The structure stands, the sign remains, but the purpose has been kidnapped. The Labour Party was built as an alternative to godfather politics, and as it appears to be now, it's been captured, though not been kept under lock and keys but soonest might be turned into what it once fought.

The Rupture: What breaks when trust is replaced

Mutilating Congress results and swapping winners does three things at once:  

1. Ruptures legitimacy: If members can’t trust the process, they can’t defend the product.  

2. Ruptures morale: Volunteers who campaigned, mobilized, and voted learn that fidelity has no reward.  

3. Ruptures identity: A party called “Labour” loses its moral wage. Workers respect rules. When rules are bent, the name becomes irony.  

Just like a rope bridge. Each Congress is a plank. Replace the plank with paper board, and the bridge still looks crossable from a distance. The rupture happens only when weight is applied. Elections are weight. Democracy inside a party is not decoration. It’s diagnostics. When internal elections are mutilated, the party loses the ability to detect its own weakness. You can’t strategize if you don’t know who actually won. You can’t mobilize if members believe the game is fixed. And you can’t claim to fight external impunity while practicing internal impunity.

The Labour Party’s current crisis isn’t just about names on a list. It’s about whether the party will be a movement or a monument. Movements correct themselves. Monuments are corrected by history.

Rapture lifts. Capture holds. Rupture breaks. Today’s Labour Party is suspended between all three. What happens next depends on whether leadership restores the mandate or keeps rewriting it.

©Apagun Olaolu Samuel

Chairman, 

Ogun State Labour Party

The GRAVITY, the CAVITY, and the CAPTIVITY OF THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SPACE

As the Nigerian political space is being unnecessarily and increasingly overheated, political timetable compressed by INEC, electoral guidelines being changed abruptly amidst the game, and fulfillment of all electoral activities being swiftly runned by political parties in the wrong directions as petitions, rejoinders, counter petitions and court papers are flying here and there bore testimony to lack of adequate preparation and information dissemination from the electoral body and political parties. Several factions are shooting out dailies from political parties as the incumbent are not left out as they tarried long enough in some states awaiting the ruling party in such a state to cave in to the official party of the incumbent government.

Nigerian politics no longer lives only in Abuja conference rooms. It lives on X, in Nollywood skits, in Afrobeats lyrics, in WhatsApp broadcast lists. It pulls like a magnet, echoes like an empty hall, and traps like a cage. Gravity, cavity, captivity. Three forces shaping every election, protest, and debate. From 2023 till now, Nigerian politics moved from handshake deals at the grassroots and communities to hashtag wars, the space became a stadium, gravity pulls everyone in through social media, cavity left us shouting in the void, captivity kept the doors locked and the last four years has proven that.

*The Gravity: Why does everyone get pulled in*  

Gravity is mass and pull/attention, Nigerian politics has both now in record amount, though it is likely to decline as some of first timers weakling politicians and social media influencers are no longer operating at the level they did in 2023, political godfather's and electoral management officers taught them lessons they will not forget so soon.

1. Culture and Ethnicity is the campaign*: Prevalent ethnicity turn by turn and the new cultural trend of Influencers forming public opinion is generating more of the gravitational force than reasonable blueprint of redemption for Nigeria. From Fela’s yabis to Burna’s "Monsters You Made", music does what manifestos can’t. A single tweet from Wizkid or Davido shifts more votes than a party rally in some states. "Soro Soke" from 2020 EndSARS became the campaign language in 2023. Peter Obi’s movement was powered less by party structure and more by Afrobeats fans, skit makers, Twitter spaces. Davido, Falz, Aisha Yesufu became de facto campaign managers. For the first time, a candidate’s Spotify playlist mattered as much as his party manifesto.  

2. Youth are the mass: 70% of Nigerians are under 35.. That’s not just a demographic. It’s a gravitational field. "Obidients", "Soro Soke", "No gree for anybody" Apagunmanians, in the Ogun State Labour Party fast spreading across the southwest— these weren’t party slogans. They were cultural movements that dragged politics into everyday talk. They were not bought, or sought, they were pulled by the force of gravity, they organically sprouted as a movement beyond party boundaries to fill in the political cavity..

INEC said over 37m voters collected PVCs before 2023, and most were 18-34. That’s gravity. TikTok explainers on BVAS got more views than NTA debates. In 2027, that mass is older, more cynical, and already organizing on WhatsApp communities and X Spaces before parties even pick candidates.  

3. Outrage is the orbit: Bad news travels faster than policy. One viral video of police brutality or failed infrastructure pulls more attention than a 50-page budget. Once you’re in orbit, silence feels like betrayal. My daughter engaged me on social media visibility and wishes someone will drag her, particularly someone whose followers runs to millions, which will advertently rubbed on her media visibility, but having a media visibility without a matching ground structure sometimes make a political party fizzle out in the shortest period of time. Imagine the "Ikeja City Mall protest", "Obidients" Twitter trends, even APC's "Emilokan clips" ---these pulled more national conversation than traditional rallies. If it didn't trend, it didn't exist. Contents creators and campaign strategists are already being engaged rather than the ward coordinators for 2027 elections .

The Cavity: The empty space inside the noise*  

Cavity is the hollow part between sound and substance, the 2023's noise and the 2027's risk.

2023 has already exposed the influence of the social media in shaping public opinion, but that of 2027 will surely deepen it. For all the noise, the center is often empty.  

1. Sound over substance: We debate vibes, not data. "He’s young" vs "He’s experienced" replaces "Here’s his plan for power". Hashtags trend for 48 hours, then vanish. We spent months arguing BVAS, IReV, "upload issues". Huge noise, but little post-election deep-dive on electoral reform from citizens. The trend died after the Supreme Court judgment. Sound came, substance left.  

2. Performance over policy: Politicians now campaign like influencers. Photo ops with less town halls meeting and engagement with electorates at the grassroots. Dance videos greater debt profiles. The stage is full, but the script is thin. Slogans beat policies: "Renewed Hope", "Take Back Nigeria", "Emilokan". Catchy, yes. But ask 10 voters to explain the actual policy difference on power or FX and the room goes quiet. 2027 is already shaping up with early slogans before white papers.  

3. Amnesia over accountability: Each scandal resets the conversation. We remember the outrage, forget the follow-up. The space echoes, but nothing solid stays inside.Lekki tollgate, cash scarcity protests, subsidy removal pain. Each dominated feeds for days, then vanished when the next viral video dropped. No sustained pressure, no scorecards. The hall echoes, but nothing sticks to the walls

 

The Captivity: How the game keeps us locked?

Captivity is the cage both leaders and citizens built.  

1. Party structures: Godfather politics, delegate buying, zoning formulas. New voices enter, but the rules don’t change, hopes are raised when new leaders are being ushered in, but before you blink your eyes twice, you realize that a well known devil is better than an imaginary angel. You can shout, but you still play by their playbook. Even shouting is an offense, and if you fail to shout, how will you be heard?. In order for them to secure their offices, they replaced a lawful and legally backed state Congresses up to twenty one state in the case of my political party with a stroke of pen in a lofty office in Abuja against the will of the people who lined up under a scorching sun to vote whom the knew, want and believed in 

2. Clout incentives: For citizens, speaking up brings likes but also risk. Cancel culture, EFCC threats, "they will come for you". So we perform activism instead of organizing it.  

3. Fear as bars: Fear of the past. Fear of "the other tribe". Fear of wasting your vote. That fear keeps voters choosing "lesser evil" instead of "better idea". Everyone knows the cage exists. Few test the lock.

Can we break the pattern?

Gravity won’t disappear. Culture will always pull people into politics, and that’s good. But a space can’t survive on gravity alone. The cavity needs filling: with policy literacy, with local organizing, with attention spans longer than a trend. The captivity needs testing: by new candidates, by issue-based voting, by citizens who move from tweets to wards.

Nigerian politics is loud, magnetic, and stuck. The question isn’t whether we feel the pull. It’s whether we’ll fill the hollow, and find the key. 2023 gave us the loudest political pop space Nigeria has ever seen, 2027 will decide if we use that noise to build something solid, or just turn the volume up again. 

*Apagun Olaolu Samuel*

Chairman 

Labour Party, Ogun State

STOP THE CIRCULATION OF THE MANIPULATED SUCCESSFUL CONGRESS LIST: AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP OF LABOUR PARTY OGUN STATE CONGRESS CRIES OUT

Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA -- The Labour Party, Ogun State Secretariat, wishes to set the record straight regarding the successful Congress held at the Ogun State Labour Party Secretariat on April 25th, 2026.

It has come to our attention that an unauthorized and substituted list containing erroneous names is currently being circulated to the public and media. This act is false, misleading, and intended to cause confusion within the party and among stakeholders.

For clarity and official record, the authentic and duly elected officers of the Congress are:

Chairman: Apagun Olaolu Samuel

Secretary: Tosin Ogunbamiro

Any other names being paraded as Chairman and Secretary of the April 25th Congress are fake, null, and void. They do not represent the will of the delegates nor the outcome of the congress.

We view this deliberate act of substitution as a criminal case of *conspiracy, forgery, and perjury*. The perpetrators of this dastardly act will be made to face the full weight of the law. Legal action will commence and the matter is already before the legal team.

The Labour Party remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law. We urge party members, the media, and the general public to disregard the list as it was doctored to satisfy the convenience of few against the results of the Congress as monitored and observed by the INEC, Police and the DSS.

Signed,  

Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

*Ogun State Labour Party Secretariat*

STAY OFF; REMAIN CALM: OGUN STATE LP CHAIR WRITES MEMBERS

Apagun 

I am constrained to write this notice having been inundated by several calls of threats, warning and an in-depth investigation by several people within and outside of the state, to establish a case of planning to arrest, molest and cause confusion before and during their scheduled primary elections for tomorrow. 

For clarity, I, Apagun Olaolu Samuel have no reason to even conceive it as it was a figment of there imagination and bored out of the reminiscence of their past deeds employed against us. 

Nevertheless, as it stands today, I remained the authentic Chairman of the Labour Party Ogun State as it has not been invalidated through court process, the names were transmitted to Abuja via INEC Ogun State with reports covering it. Let it also be known that our team of legal luminaries headed by our pragmatic legal adviser are already studying the situation and will come with their report soonest for ratification and action plan. 

Furthermore, this act of daylight robbery, perjury and forgery shall be contested. To establish their depravity, a viral video doctored by them showing me prostrating for one of the national leader in Abuja is been widely distributed by them to pull me down, prostrating for an elder is part of the enriched tradition and culture of Yoruba land of which I greatly cherish. We all know those who did the April 25 Congress and those who won convincingly, any other Congress done outside this should be supported with facts and evidences. 

Having said these, please stay away from the primaries scheduled for tomorrow as they may unleash a calculated disruption and terror on you to frame you

Obedience is better than sacrifice, STAY CLEAR, STAY OFF, REMAIN CALM as further notifications  and instructions shall be provided through this channel. 

Forward Ever! 

Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

Chairman, Labour Party Ogun State

THE BLOOMING LOOMING DOOM OF NEWLY RESUSCITATED PARTY — Apagun

Abeokuta, Nigeria

Apagun

In a virtual interview with the crew of HOTNEWS Naija, Apagun Olaolu Samuel bared his mind on the strange development in the Labour Party, the systemic administrative coup through harmonization process after the convention held at Umuahia ratified and validated the National Working Committee, all congresses and revoking all congresses conducted by Abure as witnessed by INEC. What is happening now is a symptom of a diseased, strangulated  and a choked dying party

Democracy dies not with a bang, but with the quiet stroke of a pen replacing what the people have already chosen. What we are witnessing in the actions of the National Working Committee is not party administration. It is the deliberate erasure of due process and the substitution of the will of the people with the convenience of a few. 

Congresses were held. Delegates gathered. INEC officials monitored and certified the process. The DSS and the Nigerian Police were present as witnesses to ensure order and legality. The results were clear, the elected State Working Committee members emerged through a process recognized by law and witnessed by the state itself.

Yet now, names are being swapped. Individuals who never contested, never participated, never faced the scrutiny of a congress, some were not even a registered member of the party by the day of the Congress are being imposed on structures they did not build, a structure built by our struggles with evidences by the total dominance across the twenty local government. This is not reconciliation. This is substitution. It tells every party member that your vote, your participation, and your sacrifice mean nothing if you are not favored by the power drunken leaders.

When a party leadership can override legally conducted congresses and replace elected officials with handpicked loyalists, it sets a dangerous precedent. Today it is the State Working Committee. Tomorrow it will be candidate selection, then the congresses themselves, until the entire structure becomes a mere extension of one office.

The danger is not just to one state or one chapter. The danger is to the very idea that internal democracy matters. If the rules can be bent at will, then no member is safe, and no process is sacred. Apathy grows where trust dies. And a political party without the trust of its members is a shell waiting to collapse.

History is clear on this: organizations that abandon their own rules to reward convenience over legitimacy do not survive the storm. They may hold power for a season, and a reason best known to their sponsors, but they lose the moral authority to lead. The rank and file see it. The public sees it. And when the next election comes, that betrayal is remembered.

The looming doom is not from an external enemy. It is from within, from the choice to value control over credibility, and imposition over process. If this path continues, we will not need an opposition to defeat us. We will have done it to ourselves.

The question before the National Working Committee is simple: will you uphold the congresses you supervised and conducted through the committee constituted by your office with their report? Will you substitute an INEC observed, monitored and supervised Congress with their full report transmitted to the INEC headquarters Abuja, where eight officers of the EPM department were present with two coming from national headquarters?  Or will you bury them for the sake of expediency? The answer will determine whether the party survives as a democratic institution or becomes another cautionary tale of self-sabotage.

What do you think would be the most effective way for party members to push back against this kind of replacement without tearing the party apart? When a neighbour eats an infected garden eggs with pleasure without being cautioned, by the time he is unable to sleep, don't you think deep sleep might be eroded from you also?

PRESS CONFERENCE SPEECH DELIVERED BY APAGUN OLAOLU SAMUEL, OGUN STATE LABOUR PARTY CHAIRMAN AT LABOUR PARTY SECRETARIAT, ABUJA AFTER SUBMISSION OF PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FORM BY ARC. [DR.] PETER AGADA

Apagun 

Good afternoon, members of the press.

Thank you for being here. Moments ago, Arc. Dr. Peter Agada formally submitted his nomination form to contest for the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the Labour Party in the upcoming general elections.

This submission is not about ceremony. It’s about a decision that millions of Nigerians have already made in their hearts: for a clean break from the past, a clear severance from the political oligarchist, and a recalibration of Nigeria political system. That it is time for competence, integrity, credibility, capacity, by reason of a strategic workable plan, and a government that works for the people, through those who knows what, when and how to do the work at the right time, for full benefits of all. 

*Why Dr. Agada?*

Dr. Agada comes from the Middle Belt, the food basket, geographic epicenter, and cultural heart of Nigeria. The Middle Belt knows what it means to hold this country together when tensions rise. It is a region of farmers, teachers, engineers, and traders who want nothing more than peace to work and a government that works to protects that peace. 

As an architect and academic, Dr. Agada has spent his career solving real problems with limited resources, equipped with residual power of imagination. He understands that governance is design work: if the foundation is weak, no amount of painting will make the building stand. That is why he is running, to reengineer the political and economic structure of Nigeria.

*The agenda for Nigeria*

1. *A productive economy*: We will prioritize infrastructural development by fixing power, roads, rails, and ports so that Nigerian businesses can run, produce and compete. The goal is jobs, not handouts. SMEs will get access to credit without needing a godfather.

2. *Security with accountability*: No economy grows where farmers abandon their farms and children cannot go to school safely. Our security plan is intelligence-driven, community-based, and fully audited. No more blank checks with no results

3. *Education and health as public goods*: Dr. Agada was taught in Nigerian universities. He knows firsthand how underfunded systems break the country’s future. We will treat teachers, lecturers, and health workers as national priorities, not afterthoughts.

4. *Unity through equity*: The Middle Belt has paid the price for Nigeria’s divisions. Our government will not play ethnic or religious politics. Appointments, projects, and policies will follow one test: does it move Nigeria forward for all Nigerians?

5. *Transparent governance*: Nigerians are tired of vague promises. Every major policy will be published with its cost, timeline, and expected outcome. If we fall short, we will say why.

*Next steps*

Over the next weeks we will roll out detailed plans on agriculture, manufacturing, power reform, and youth innovation. We will hold town halls in every zone because Nigeria is too big to be governed from one office in Abuja.

To the press: Ask us the hard questions. We welcome scrutiny because we have nothing to hide.

To Nigerians: Arc. Dr. Peter Agada is not promising miracles. He is promising a government that respects you, your rights, your talent, your time, your money, and your intelligence. A government that treats the Middle Belt, the North, the South, the East, and the West as one country with one SECURED FUTURE.

The form has been submitted. The work begins now. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN THIS CHARIOT!

Thank you.

OGUN LABOUR PARTY CONGRESS: HOW APAGUN OLAOLU SAMUEL BABATUNDE EMERGED CHAIRMAN, DEFYING ALL ODDS

Abeokuta, Ogun State

Apagun 

The Ogun State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) successfully conducted its State Congress on April 25, 2026, defying all anticipated challenges to produce a new set of executive committee members.

In a decisive electoral victory, Apagun Olaolu Samuel Babatunde emerged as the new State Chairman of the party. His emergence, however, was against the wish and interest of some gang-up opportunists who paraded themselves as leaders. Despite their machinations, the majority will of true party members prevailed.

The congress was held against all odds, yet it remained peaceful, transparent, and orderly. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were seated at the high table throughout the process, witnessing and validating the conduct of the exercise.

The newly elected executive members, led by Chairman Apagun Olaolu Samuel Babatunde, immediately took their oaths of office and were inaugurated, officially commencing their tenure to steer the party’s affairs in Ogun State.

In his acceptance speech, Apagun reiterated that Enough is Enough, as Labour Party shall no longer preserve the transactional political class, who only uses her platform to cash out during the election season. He admonished the members to stand up and fight for the political emancipation of Nigeria as the political space has been overheated by the incumbent government. He asserted that we have done it before even when we were not organized, we will repeat the political tsunami of 2023 with courage, repositioning and rebranding of the party for greater acceptance.

Without mincing words, the radiation of joy and happiness in the faces of all the attendees is a confirmation that the congress was successful, credible, and a clear rebuke to anti-democratic elements within our ranks.

Signed:

Kika Glasgow 

Publicity Secretary,

Labour Party, Ogun State

#PHOTOSPEAKS: Ogun State Labour Party Installs New Leadership

 

Apagun Olaolu Samuel has been elected as the substantive Labour Party Chairman for Ogun State.

OPINION: A FOWL THAT DOWNCAST THE CORPUS — Apagun

SAGAMU, NIGERIA. 19th of April, 2026.

Apagun Olaolu Samuel on a live interview with the crew of HotNews Naija, spoke of a mythic meditation on factionalism, accountability, and the peril of opportunistic reconciliation with people of questionable character, who in one way or the other has helped to plunge Labour Party at her most glorious moment into unnecessary and tumultuous in-fighting, opportunistic transactions through unholy alliances and a total mismanagement of the party's goodwill because of their self interest, should be forgotten claiming it's good riddance to bad rubbish.

He asserted that in the long arc of any political dispensation, disputes leave footprints that outlive the brief heat of contest as it is well crafted in a Yoruba proverb that  _"Adiye to ba da'fa ni, oun náà laa fi ko."_  Literally meaning, a fowl that down casted the corpus will surely be used to atone for the desecration. The fowl spoken of in Yoruba myth as one that down casts the Corpus is not merely a creature of superstition; it is a lantern held up to illuminate how dignity can be wounded when haste meets opportunism. Apagun Olaolu Samuel uses that ancient frame to reflect on a recent interview granted by one suspended member of Labour Party, a meddlesome interloper, transactional politician and a political tramp in person of Mr. Sunday Abayomi Onigbinde whose political stage name is Arabambi.

Apagun Olaolu Samuel acclaimed that Arabambi must have spoken out during his period of hallucinations or rather been intoxicated by another deal attracted, snapped, trapped and strapped to his frivolous political ambition through the ruling party just like he did in 2023. A character like Arabambi is not supposed to be patronized by the gentlemen of the press if they were not promoting division in the fold of Labour Party knowing fully well that he has been given an indefinite suspension.

Ogun State LP
 Chair, Apagun 

He equally lambasted a passage within the Labour Party: a faction that once undermined our collective interest, questioned our authenticity, and disrupted our meetings, arrested us with the help of DSS and the Nigerian Police at one point or the other. Now, with a climate of potential reconciliation on the horizon, they masquerade themselves as leaders in Ogun State as we pause to consider how to rebuild without surrendering the core principles that gave us our strength.

He continues by saying "Eewo kii r'Egbe ka mọ, to ba de tan, latowo ntà." literally asserting, the sense that certain transgressions cannot be anticipated by those who are comfortable, until the moment of reckoning arrives.When an abomination is on a journey, recompense seem to be oblivious, but upon arrival, there shall be cries and gnashing of teeth.

 

The proverb warns against complacency: time may reveal motive, and accountability must follow action. In his words, he interpreted the fowl as embodiment of a past faction within the Labour Party whose actions disrupted common pursuit, undermined trust, and challenged collective authenticity.

The myth invites a disciplined response: acknowledge harm, demand transparency, uphold shared ethics, as the Corpus represents the shared project, the public trust, and the legitimacy of a political community acting for the common good. When the Corpus is cast down, the political community must decide how to rise with integrity without replacing principled disagreement with coerced alignment

APAGUN CAUTIONS MEDIA OVER ARABAMBI’S CLAIMED ALLIANCE WITH THE PRESIDENCY

Abeokuta, Nigeria – Apagun has issued a stern warning to members of the press regarding recent statements credited to Sunday Abayomi Onigbinde popularly known as Arabambi. 

In a swift response, Apagun described Arabambi as a “suspended character, transactional politician and an impostor” who serves as “a well-known instrument of division and destruction in the hand of the ruling political party.” Apagun urged journalists to cease giving Arabambi undue recognition and to stop attributing to him offices he does not hold. 

"As far as the Labour Party is concerned, Arabambi is persona non grata. He holds no office such as the Southwest Chairman as is being erroneously claimed," as it will be in the best interest of the party to maintain the calmness and relative peace we are having now after the suspension of Arabambi and his likes. If Arabambi and his cohorts has renewed their mandate to destroy Labour Party, he should come out and tell the whole world. He should come and tell us where he met with Governor Alex Otti to nurse such an idea. 

Let it be published and broadcasted across Nigeria, Labour Party is leaving no stone unturn as we prepare for 2027. We have no reason to adopt a retrogressive political party or support a government that has woefully failed Nigerians.

DEMOCRACY IN PERIL: Opposition Parties Cry Foul Under Tinubu Govt"

Apagun 

The Labour Party's Ogun State chairman, Apagun Olaolu Samuel, has expressed his deep thoughts about Nigeria's democracy, in a live interview with Adesina Alabi and Oluwafunmilayo Alex Oni in the FRONTIER MORNING SHOW. He stated that democracy in Nigeria is in an extreme perilous moment as gladiators and Nigerians can no longer express their aspirations through the political party of their choice. He stated that when the polity is been overheated, and the political drums is been overtly or covertly over beaten, then the drums are destined for destruction.

"The 2027 general elections is obviously going to be between the masses and the INEC, as it has been already conscripted for the ruling party before it started through a well laid and paid scientific rigging plan" He further submitted that we are tilting and drifting towards Tinubu turbulence moment of Nigeria state capture as many of the institutional agencies are now standing on his mandate.

Without mincing words, he asserted that Nigeria is in a tough spot under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging opposition parties are being sidelined and caged as Nigeria is sliding towards becoming a one party state under his watch. He's not happy about unfulfilled campaign promises and dwindling support for education, emphasizing that democracy should protect both the majority and minority voices.

On the other hand, Ogbemi Segun Amure, the spokesperson to the deputy speaker of Osun State House of Assembly warns that democracy needs a strong opposition to survive, pointing out that many parties face leadership issues and systemic difficulties through strategic interference by the ruling party . He's also concerned about delays in local government allocations of Osun State weakening democratic structures.

In contrast,.Comrade Opeyemi of RELAX Tinubu will Fix Nigeria, defends Tinubu's admin, saying the president's working to address economic challenges and it's unfair to blame him alone for the nation's financial situation.

APAGUN SPITS FIRE, WARNS IMPOSTORS IN OGUN STATE LABOUR PARTY

Apagun 

The Ogun State Labour Party's Interim Chairman Apagun Olaolu Samuel has sternly warned impostors in the state presenting themselves as the party's Leaders to the people within and outside the state.

The party's leadership in Ogun State said in a statement signed by the interim Chairman that it's attention has been drawn to acts of impersonation by one Comrade Lookman Abiodun Jagun, falsely claiming to represent the party in various capacities.

The part categorically stated that Comrade Jagun's tenure as Caretaker Chairman ended with the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC)

-And that Apagun Olaolu Samuel is the legitimate State Chairman, appointed by Sen. Nnenadi Esther Usman led National Working Committee of the party with an appointment letter dated December 5, 2025

The party equally warned that any transactions, statements, or actions taken by Jagun or any other impostors in the name of Labour Party Ogun State are invalid, null, and void and those dealing with they are doing so at their personal risks. 

"We condemn this act of impersonation and warn the public to beware of such deceitful tactics. We urge all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to deal only with authorized party officials." The statement said.

READ THE STATEMENT IN PART:

DATE: March 21, 2026

The attention of the Labour Party Ogun State Chapter has been drawn to acts of impersonation by Comrade Lookman Abiodun Jagun, falsely claiming to represent the party in various capacities.

This is to inform the public that:

- Comrade Jagun's tenure as Caretaker Chairman ended with the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC)

- Apagun Olaolu Samuel is the legitimate State Chairman, appointed by Sen. Nnenadi Esther Usman, national executive, in a letter dated December 5, 2025

- Any transactions, statements, or actions taken by Jagun in the name of Labour Party Ogun State are invalid, null, and void

We condemn this act of impersonation and warn the public to beware of such deceitful tactics. We urge all party members, stakeholders, and the general public to deal only with authorized party officials.

Any attempt to misrepresent or impersonate Labour Party officials will be met with swift legal action. We are committed to protecting the integrity of our party and the interests of Ogun State.

Signed,

Apagun Olaolu Samuel

State Chairman, Labour Party, Ogun State

LABOUR PARTY PRESS RELEASE: STOP THE POLITICAL DESECRATION OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION — A WARNING TO THE "YAYI TEACHERS MEDIA GROUP"

LABOUR PARTY, OGUN STATE CHAPTER

DATE: March 21, 2026

 STOP THE POLITICAL DESECRATION OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION: A WARNING TO THE "YAYI TEACHERS MEDIA GROUP"*

The attention of the Ogun State Chapter of the Labour Party has been drawn to a series of misleading videos and social media campaigns orchestrated by a group styling itself as the "YAYI Teachers Media Group." This group claims to represent the collective voice of teachers in Ogun State in support of the gubernatorial ambitions of Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Yayi) under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

We find it necessary to set the record straight and protect the "good citizens of Ogun State" from this orchestrated campaign of misinformation.

1. *Misleading the Public*

The nomenclature "YAYI Teachers Media Group" is a deliberate attempt to create a false impression that the noble teachers of Ogun State—both in public and private service—have abandoned their neutrality to become political appendages of a partisan interest. This is a gross insult to the thousands of teachers who remain committed to their professional ethics.

2. *Violation of Extant Civil Service Rules*

The Labour Party wishes to remind the promoters of this group that Public Servants (including public school teachers) are strictly governed by laws that forbid partisan political campaigning while in active service.  

Ogun State Public Service Rules (PSR): Specifically, Rules 04401, 04402, and 04406 prohibit civil servants from participating in partisan political activities, attending political rallies, or acting as "canvassers" for candidates.

National Precedent: In 2016, the Ogun State Civil Service Commission sanctioned several workers for similar partisan displays during the World Teachers Day celebration, citing these exact rules.  

Professional Misconduct: Under Nigerian Educational Law, engaging in activities that bring the profession into disrepute or violate the neutrality of the classroom is a ground for disciplinary action, ranging from suspension to outright dismissal.

3. *The Constitutional Boundary*

While we acknowledge the Supreme Court’s ruling in INEC vs. Musa (2003) regarding the right of association, the law is clear: a public servant's right to belong to a party does not grant them the right to use their professional identity (as "Ogun Teachers") to conduct public campaigns. Partisanship in the discharge of duty is a "red line" that maintains the stability of our democracy.

4. *Our Call to Action*

To the Head of Service and Ministry of Education: We call on the Ogun State Government to investigate the individuals behind the "YAYI Teachers Media Group." If they are indeed public servants, they must be held accountable to the Civil Service Rules to prevent the total collapse of discipline in our schools.

To Our Teachers: Do not allow yourselves to be used as political shields. Your reward should not just be in heaven, but also in a state that respects your professional boundaries today.

To the General Public: Disregard these videos. They do not represent the silent majority of educators who are more concerned with the dwindling standards of education and their welfare than with the 2027 ambitions of any politician.

The Labour Party remains the only platform committed to the true empowerment of workers and the restoration of dignity to the classroom.

Signed,

Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

State Chairman,

Labour Party, 

Ogun State.

PRESS RELEASE: LABOUR PARTY HOLDS RECONCILIATION MEETING IN OGUN STATE, MOVES TOWARD UNITY

Date: 24th February,2026 

Venue:NLC State Secretariat, Abeokuta 

The Ogun State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) wishes to inform the general public and our esteemed members of a significant development in our efforts to foster unity and strengthen the party ahead of future electoral challenges.

Following the recent judgments of the Court of Appeal, the leadership of our great party, under the distinguished leadership of the Deputy National Chairman (South), Mrs. Temidayo Nike Oriola Job, convened a crucial reconciliation meeting with stakeholders in Ogun State. The meeting, held on 19th February,2026, brought together members of the Ogun State Interim Executive and other party faithful who, subsequent to the court rulings, have aligned with the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Executive Committee (NEC).

During the session, it was acknowledged that there were periods of intense legal battles where party members found themselves on different sides, as well as others who left the fold to aligned with other political party. It was noted that some members who are now converts to the Nenadi Usman-led Exco had, during the heat of the court cases, reported their fellow party members to security agencies (including the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services) for impersonation, even as the now-dispersed Julius Abure leadership for declaring support for the Nenadi Usman faction.

In her characteristic spirit of inclusive leadership, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Mrs. Temidayo Nike Oriola, urged all parties to embrace one another and bury the hatchet. She emphasized that the Labour Party must move beyond the acrimony of the past and present a united front to the people of Ogun State.

As a concrete step towards enduring peace, the leadership has directed that a harmonized reconciliation committee be formed. Both sides involved in the dispute have been mandated to submit a list of nine (9) members each, making a total of eighteen (18) members. This committee will be inaugurated to oversee the formal reconciliation process and ensure that all grievances are permanently laid to rest.

As the Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State Labour Party, I urge all our members to cooperate with this initiative. The Labour Party remains the vehicle for the hopes and aspirations of the masses, and we cannot afford to be distracted by internal conflicts. We are committed to rebuilding, reconciling, and emerging stronger.

We thank our leaders, members, and the press for their continued support.

Signed:

Kika Glasgow

Publicity Secretary

Labour Party,Ogun State Chapter

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING: Labour Party Deputy National Chair Madam Temidayo Nike Oriola Hosts Apagun, Sir Dele Abiola in Ogun State (PHOTOS)

 

Labour Party Deputy National Chairman (South West) ,Madam Temidayo Nike Oriola Job Played host to both the Oyo and Ogun State's Interim Chairmen of the Party Sir Dele Abiola and Apagun Olaolu Samuel in her residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on Saturday 7th February, 2026.

This is a high level consultative meeting in the South West since the official recognitions of the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman Leadership of the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last week recognized the Distinguished Senator Nenadi Esther Usman led National Working Committee of the Labour Party in line with an Abuja High Court as the sole Leadership of the labour party in Nigeria, putting an end to illegal reigns of the former National Chairman Julius Abure. Madam Oriola is the incumbent interim Deputy National Chairman from the South West geo political zone.

PHOTOS:

National Deputy Chairman of LP Madam Temidayo Oriola ( Middle),
Ogun State LP Interim Chairman Apagun Olaolu Samuel (right)
And Oyo State LP Interim Chairman Sir Dele Abiola (Left)

Madam Temidayo Nike Oriola Job (Right) and
Pastor Olusola Kolawole (Left)

DRIVING WITH REVERSE GEAR: The Nigerian Senate's Stance on Electronic Transfers of Election Results

Apagun 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria's electoral politics and management, the Senate’s recent position on the electronic transfer of election results encapsulates a significant dilemma. By proposing to make the electronic transmission of results optional, rather than a mandatory feature, the Senate risks undermining the progress toward a transparent and fraud-free electoral system that the country desperately needs and deserves as the most populous black nation of the earth.

A Pivotal Moment for Democracy

Nigeria, with its tumultuous electoral history marred by allegations of rigging, violence, and irregularities, for years has been striving for a more credible electoral process. The introduction of electronic voting and the real-time transmission of results was heralded as a progressive step towards achieving that goal. This technology has the potential to enhance transparency and accountability while significantly reducing opportunities for fraud. It was on this note that made some of our youths very active in the 2023 general elections until the bad news was broken; the presidential election could not be transmitted because of yet to be believed glitches in the transmission that failed to affect other elections conducted same day and same time. Many are still undoubtedly not able to comprehend the technicalities of the technical glitch nor dissipate the shockwaves that come along with the news.

However, the Senate’s decision to make electronic transfers optional flies in the face of public demand for a more robust system that we long for its compulsion and legalisation. It is akin to "driving with reverse gear" in a country yearning for forward momentum in its democratic processes. By not committing to mandatory electronic transmission, the Senate inadvertently perpetuates the very issues that have plagued Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The Risks of Optionality

Opting for an optional system on electronic transfers opens the door for inconsistencies and manipulation. Why would some states or electoral officials choose to transmit results electronically while others abstain? This inconsistency can lead to discrepancies in how votes are counted and reported across the nation. The potential for tampering, especially in areas where transparency is least guaranteed, remains a significant concern. 

Furthermore, allowing for an optional approach may sow distrust among voters. Citizens who have become increasingly aware of the importance of technology in ensuring electoral integrity might view the Senate's stance as a regression.  This could further diminish public confidence in the outcomes of elections, potentially leading to increased apathy or unrest. The paradox of the matter was that while this government is pushing for electronic tax collection system, electronic payment system, electronic passport, electronic identification system, the same government chooses to make optional that which is supposed to be preferencially electronically conducted and transmitted one time.

The Path Toward Technological Integration

Several countries around the world have successfully integrated electronic voting and result transmission into their electoral processes, enhancing the reliability and speed of election outcomes. For Nigeria to join this league and truly modernize its electoral system, it is essential to embrace these technological advancements fully. The last general elections conducted in India through electronic transmission was a wonder to behold, assessed and access despite her population.

Mandatory electronic voting and transmission could streamline processes, reduce human error, and facilitate quicker results, allowing for faster acceptance of electoral outcomes. In the face of the growing citizen demand for transparency and accountability, rejecting optimal technological solutions like mandatory electronic results transmission feels like driving while looking backward.

Public Sentiment and Political Will

The sentiment among the Nigerian populace is clear: there is a strong desire for a transparent electoral process. Civic organizations, activists, and ordinary citizens have rallied for stronger electoral reforms and a commitment to technology-driven solutions. The Senate's current stance appears disconnected from the pressing need to evolve Nigeria’s electoral practices.

For meaningful change to materialize, lawmakers must prioritize the sentiments of their constituents over political maneuvering. The focus should shift toward building a comprehensive electoral framework that not only accounts for the technological advancements available today but also addresses the systemic flaws that have historically compromised electoral integrity.

As Nigeria approaches future elections, the decision to keep the electronic transmission of results optional stands as a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Driving with reverse gear may render the country vulnerable to the same pitfalls it has long sought to escape. It is imperative for the Senate and other stakeholders to take a definitive stand in favour of mandatory electronic voting and result transmission. By doing so, Nigeria can pave the way for a truly democratic system that reflects the will of its people, free from the shadows of fraud and manipulation. Only then can the nation drive forward, embracing a future where its elections are transparent, credible, and respected both locally and internationally.

Apagun Olaolu Samuel Babatunde

Chairman,

Labour Party, Ogun State

PRESS RELEASE: OGUN STATE CHAPTER OF THE LABOUR PARTY REACTS TO INEC'S UPDATE, CONGRATULATES SENATOR NENADI ESTHER USMAN-LED NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE

1st February,2026

The Ogun State Chapter of the Labour Party has received with satisfaction the swift action of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in updating its portal to reflect the court-ordered recognition of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator Nenadi Esther Usman.

This development marks a significant and positive step towards stability, unity, and institutional respect for the rule of law within our great party. We congratulate Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and her newly recognized National Executive Council on this formal affirmation of their leadership. This decision paves the way for the much-needed consolidation and focused rebuilding of our party structures nationwide.

As a chapter, we are confident that this resolution will inject fresh momentum into the Labour Party's mission to offer Nigerians a credible, progressive, and people-centric alternative in the political landscape. It strengthens our position as a major opposition party ready to contest robustly in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

To our dedicated members, supporters, and stakeholders across Ogun State:

We urge utmost calm, patience, and continued solidarity. The State Executive Committee is actively engaging with the newly recognized National Leadership to receive directives and a blueprint for the next phase of party restructuring and activities. We assure you that every step taken will be communicated transparently and in a timely manner.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals of the Labour Party—social justice, economic empowerment, and democratic integrity. Now is the time for unity, not division; for constructive engagement, not distraction.

We call on all members in Ogun State to remain law-abiding, maintain the peace, and continue their support at the ward and local government levels as we await further directives from the National Working Committee.

The future is bright. Together, we shall rebuild, reposition, and reclaim the people's mandate.

Signed,

Kika Glasgow

Publicity Secretary,

Labour Party, Ogun State Chapter

Ogun State Labour Party Extends Olive Branch to All Factions in the Spirit of Unity and Collaboration

Abeokuta - In a groundbreaking move aimed at fostering unity and collaboration, the Ogun State Labour Party has officially extended an olive branch to all factions within the party. This initiative comes in response to recent internal divisions that culminated as a result of the long standing conflicts and court trials, having threatened the party’s cohesiveness and effectiveness as it prepares for upcoming political challenges.

In a press release after a stakeholders meeting held at the party’s state headquarters, Ogun State Labour Party Chairman, Apagun Olaolu Samuel, emphasized the importance of unity in achieving the party’s goals. “We acknowledge the differences that have emerged within our ranks, but we firmly believe that our strength lies in our unity. It is time to put aside our disagreements and work together for a common purpose: the betterment of our state and the welfare of our people,” he stated.

The olive branch initiative encourages dialogue among various factions and aims to create a platform for all members to voice their concerns and suggestions. The party plans to hold a series of meetings and workshops that will facilitate open communication and collaboration among members from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Mr. Isaac Olumide Olaolu, during the question and answer session demanded to know how the party leadership will navigate the curves and strengthen the internal working mechanism of the party in the state. Subsequently, some prominent members of the party, underscored the need for collaboration, stating, “We cannot afford to be divided at this critical juncture. Our collective efforts will not only strengthen our party but also enhance our ability to serve the interests of Ogun State residents effectively.”

Additionally, Barr. Adéyemí Apena, another influential figure within the party, the legal adviser of the party and Hon. Abel Olaleye, the Deputy Chairman expressed their support for the initiative. “We recognize the valuable perspectives that each faction brings to the table. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic Labour Party that truly represents the voices of all Ogun citizens.”

The initiative has been met with positive feedback from party members, who see it as a crucial step toward reconciliation and revitalization and total healing ahead of 2027 general elections. Grassroots supporters are optimistic that uniting under the Labour Party banner will allow them to effectively address the pressing issues facing the state, including economic development, healthcare, and education.

As the Ogun State Labour Party moves forward with this initiative, it remains committed to promoting inclusivity and collaboration at all levels. The leadership calls on all members to embrace this opportunity to reconcile differences and focus on their shared vision for a prosperous Ogun State.

The party is hopeful that these efforts will not only mend internal divisions but also strengthen its position as a formidable force in the upcoming political landscape, ultimately serving the best interests of the people of Ogun State.

PRESS RELEASE: OGUN LABOUR PARTY CALLS FOR UNITY, ANNOUNCES CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING

Abeokuta, Ogun State – Following the recent judicial affirmation of a united national leadership under Chairman Nenadi Esther Usman, the Ogun State Chapter of the Labour Party hereby invites all leaders, members, and stakeholders to a pivotal and all-inclusive State Stakeholders’ Meeting.

This gathering marks the first official step in a new era of unity, reconciliation, and strategic action for our great party in Ogun State.

1. A CALL FOR RECONCILIATION AND UNITY:

In the spirit of the new dawn,we are extending a genuine hand of fellowship to all our brothers and sisters who were on other sides of the recently resolved leadership dispute. The crisis is over. The doors are wide open. We emphatically declare that all members who had left the party in frustration are not only forgiven but are warmly welcomed back into the fold. Our strength lies in our unity, and our collective mission to serve the people of Ogun State is greater than any past disagreement.

2. AGENDA: CHARTING THE WAY FORWARD TOGETHER:

This meeting is crucial for our collective future.The agenda will focus on:

· Formal Reconciliation: Healing the party and integrating all factions.

· Planning for Congresses: Laying down a clear, transparent, and inclusive roadmap for the upcoming Ward Congresses, Local Government Congresses, and the National Convention.

· Election Preparedness: Beginning strategic discussions for the forthcoming elections, ensuring the Labour Party in Ogun State presents a formidable and united front.

3. MEETING DETAILS:

· Date: Saturday, 31st January, 2026

· Venue: Labour Party State Secretariat,Opposite Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital ,Lantoro

· Time: 10:00 AM Prompt.

This meeting is non-negotiable for every stakeholder committed to the success of the Labour Party in Ogun State. Your presence, input, and commitment are essential as we build a resilient, democratic, and victory-focused party structure.

We urge all Ward Chairmen, Local Government Chairmen, State Executives, Former Candidates, Aspirants, Elders, and dedicated members across all shades of opinion to attend. Let us put the past behind us, embrace this new beginning, and work shoulder-to-shoulder for the task ahead.

Together, we will rebuild, reposition, and reclaim Ogun State for the people.

Signed:

Kika Glasgow

State Publicity Secretary,

Labour Party, Ogun State.

Let LABOUR PARTY Breathe! —Apagun Olaolu Samuel

Apagun 

In an emotional  outburst during a live radio interview, Apagun Olaolu Samuel, the Chairman of the Ogun State Labour Party, made a passionate appeal to the incumbent government and the ruling party, urging them to "let Labour Party breathe." His remarks highlighted the increasing pressure the party has faced, describing it as a relentless tightening of an executional's noose aimed at stifling life out of the party.

Samuel expressed deep concern over what he characterized as deliberate attempts by the ruling party to undermine the Labour Party's influence across the states as they were dazed by her performance during the last general elections which have now become their nightmare. He revealed that there are efforts to implant individuals within the party as moles, with the intention of subverting its activities and weakening its unity. "They have implanted moles within our ranks and files, trying to supplant us from within, and we cannot stand idly by while our party is being strangulated," he declared.

The Chairman's heartfelt plea comes amidst a charged political atmosphere, where the Labour Party is navigating through internal and external challenges, unending multiple court cases from all fronts and failure of the INEC, the federal government agency in charge of political party's and elections management to adhere by the Supreme Court judgement as they still kept the name of Abure and his cohorts on their portal despite the fact that the court had severally made a verdict that Abure tenure lapsed since June 8th 2024. Samuel emphasized the need for a fair political environment, free from intimidation and subterfuge, to allow the party to fulfill its mission of representing the interests of the marginalized and advocating for social justice. He asserted that if there is nothing underneath, s fire outbreak cannot go beyond the river.

Samuel’s interview resonated with supporters and party members, who rallied behind his call for solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity. "We will not be silenced, and we will continue to fight for our place in Ogun State's political landscape, and Nigeria at large," he asserted.

As the political landscape shifts, Samuel’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying cry for those within the Labour Party, urging them to remain resilient, vigilant and committed to their cause. The future of the party hinges on its ability to navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger, but that requires a political environment that supports rather than suppresses democratic engagement. He concluded by reinstating emphatically that Labour Party has not enter into a coalition agreement with any political party till now, saying "Hold on to your Fold" don't be deceived, if there is any arrangements in that manner, you will be officially addressed.