Why A Federal High Court Ordered Deregistration of ADC, Accord Party, APP, AA, ZLP

A Federal High Court Monday ordered the electoral umpire to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Accord Party and three other political parties.

Justice Peter Lifu issued the directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while delivering judgement in a suit instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators.

Justice Lifu predicated his decision on the grounds that the affected political parties did not meet Section 225 of the Constitution.

The other political parties the court directed the electoral body to deregister are the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The National Forum of Former Legislators had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, prayed the court to determine whether INEC has a constitutional obligation to remove political parties that fail to meet the electoral performance thresholds set out in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s regulations.

It was the position of the plaintiff that the five political parties listed as defendants in the matter had persistently failed to meet the constitutional benchmarks required to retain their registration.

The former legislators stressed that the requirements include winning at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election or securing at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.


They told the court that the ADC and the four other parties performed poorly in both the 2023 general elections and by-elections conducted by INEC, thereby failing to win seats across key tiers of government.

The litigants insisted that the continued existence of these five political parties as recognised political parties is unlawful and undermines the integrity of the country’s electoral system.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff urged the court to declare that INEC is duty-bound to deregister such parties.

It further urged the court to compel the commission to deregister the five political parties before preparations for the 2027 elections advance further.

Beyond declaratory reliefs, the plaintiff prayed the court to restrain the five affected parties from participating in general elections or engaging in political activities such as campaigns, rallies, and primaries.

It also sought a court injunction restraining INEC from recognising or dealing with the parties in any official capacity unless and until they strictly comply with constitutional provisions.

The judgment may affect the chances of candidates of the affected political parties, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to contest the 2027 presidential poll.

Incumbent Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke if the Accord Party may be facing major political setback.

It's hopeful that such judgement will be challenged at the Appeal Court.

Opposition political parties have been facing disorganization, sponsored disorderliness and brutal infiltrations and attacks including using the judiciary like never before in the political history of this country under the Bola Tinubu led pro terrorists government.  The security, Sociopolitical and economy of the country remains unsafe and uncertain as more than majority of the citizens are wallowing in abject poverty in the face of insecurity already destined the incumbent ruling party to lose the 2027 general elections.

United Nations (UN) Calls For Swift Release Of Kidnapped School Staff, Students In Nigeria

By Ighomuaye Lucky. O

The United Nations (UN) has called for an immediate and quick action to secure the release of students and teachers abducted by armed groups in Nigeria, stressing that schools must be protected as safe environments for learning and development.

The appeal was made in Abuja by Mr. Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, during a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by its Commandant, Dr. Samuel Umanah.

The discussions centered on recent incidents of school abductions, as well as ongoing efforts to support affected families, schools, and communities in Oyo and Borno states.

Fall expressed concern over the ongoing captivity of the victims and strongly condemned the violence, noting that two teachers had already been killed during the incidents.


He further said the attacks highlight the growing risks facing children, teachers, and educational settings across the country.

According to him, protecting children’s right to access education in a secure and dignified setting must remain a national priority.

He urged authorities to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, strengthen emergency response systems, and adopt data-driven strategies to improve school security.




“We are deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups.


“Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target. These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning spaces”, Fall said.



While acknowledging the efforts of government authorities and security agencies, the UN official urged stronger and more coordinated action to secure the safe and swift release of all abducted students and teachers.


He also urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks are brought to justice and to reinforce measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

BREAKING: Oyo State Labour Party Chair Sir Dele Abiola Resigns From The Party

 

Sir Dele Abiola 

The Congress Elected State Chairman of Oyo State Labour Party Sir Dele Abiola has resigned from the party.

In letter signed and addressed to the National Chairman of the party Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, Sir Dele Abiola tendered an official resignation from the Labour Party with an immediate effect.

According to the (now)  former Chairman, Together with comrades and stunt supporters of an ideal opposition political party, even in the labour Unions and beyond, I have served this party diligently as the Chairman in Oyo State with an unwavering loyalty through tick and thin.

"Unfortunately, the directions of the present leadership through recent actions of the National Leadership have overtly demonstrated that the Labour Party is in the hands of a clique with no regards for justice, fairness, equity, internal democracy and regards for hardwork and loyalty."

"The party's structure in Oyo  State has been outrightly handed over to individuals who seriously opposed this present national leadership,."

"Congresses that were duly validated at the Umuahia National Convention have been arbitrarily thwarted, declared null and void by a kangaroo harmonization committee without a guidelines until it was questioned.  Delegates from the same congresses elected the substantive National Executive Committee members who are now intentionally causing havocs at the State working committee level."

READ THE LETTER UN FULL: 

 

LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

Date: 29th May, 2026

To:

The National Chairman

Labour Party

Abuja, Nigeria

  Resignation from the Labour Party

Dear Comrades,

I, Sir Dele Abiola hereby tender an official resignation from the Labour Party with an immediate effect.

Together with comrades and stunt supporters of an ideal opposition political party, even in the labour Unions and beyond, I have served this party diligently as the Chairman in Oyo State with an unwavering loyalty through tick and thin.

Unfortunately, the directions of the present leadership through recent actions of the National Leadership have overtly demonstrated that the Labour Party is in the hands of a clique with no regards for justice, fairness, equity, internal democracy and regards for hardwork and loyalty.

The party's structure in Oyo  State has been outrightly handed over to individuals who seriously opposed this present national leadership,.

Congresses that were duly validated at the Umuahia National Convention have been arbitrarily thwarted, declared null and void by a kangaroo harmonization committee without a guidelines until it was questioned.  Delegates from the same congresses elected the substantive National Executive Committee members who are now intentionally causing havocs at the State working committee level.

A so-called "harmonization committee" with unnecessary vested interests has replaced legitimately elected state executives with the Abure's led EXCOS which the national convention Invalidated in OYO state.

, .

All indications from various conversations only confirmed that the Labour Party is actually not going into the 2027 general elections for any serious context but to work for the incumbent ruling APC government. These actions reveal a party that is not truly prepared to win elections, serve the people's interest, or operate democratically. 

The Labour Party under this leadership has reverted to transactional politics and personal vendettas on mere hearsays..

.

Politics is matter of alignment and realignment, I shall in due cause identify with like minds in the journey for a democratically prosperous country. 

I sincerely thank the Labour Unions, Political Commission, those genuine comrades, faithful members of the party that have always been there with us during the struggle days.who fought alongside me.  The struggle for good governance can never be less that the struggle for independence, it can only be more that it. Forward ever.

Yours sincerely,

Sir Oludele Abiola 

Former Chairman, Oyo State Labour Party.

· cc:

NLC/TUC Political Commission 

NLC President 

South West concerned Leaders 

Press

ATTEMPTED ADMINISTRATIVE COUP IN OGUN LABOUR PARTY: Members Demand National Leadership Intervention Over Alleged Substitution of Congress Winners

Abeokuta, Ogun State: — Concerned members of the Labour Party in Ogun State have raised alarm over what they describe as an “attempted administrative coup” following the conduct of the April 25, 2025 State Congress, alleging unauthorized replacement and substitution of the names of officers who participated, and were declared winners under the supervision of regulatory agencies.

The congress, held on April 25 in Abeokuta, was monitored and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), in line with Section 82(5) of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines on party congresses. 

According to party members present at the exercise, the process was concluded with a list of duly elected officers and delegates ratified on site. However, reports circulating within the state chapter indicate that a different list containing substituted names has surfaced on the party's loop by one Mr. Akeeb Adesola, a childhood and political ally of one former gubernatorial aspirant in the state who for long has had his eye on hijacking the party structures, known to be a transactional and sleepy sleeky politicians through an unholy alliance consumated by him with the PDP in 2023 general elections, subverting and mismanaging the financial proceeds emanating from the deal is now the Hackman allegedly replacing those who emerged through the monitored process.

Most recently, while Apagun was addressing the press on the matter, he stated unequivocally that  "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 presumed 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."  

“This is not just an internal disagreement. It is an attempt to subvert the will of the members and undermine the integrity of an exercise witnessed by INEC, the Police, and DSS, and a report to that effect should be brought forward by the Congress Committee as appointed by the National leadership or that of the official report by the INEC, to substantiate their claims, a party elder from Ogun Central said. “If the original list observed by the authorities is not upheld, it will erode trust in the party and expose us to avoidable litigation.”They will have to show us where their purported Congress took place with evidence said another.

Members warn that proceeding with the substituted list risks plunging the party into another round of legal battles similar to those that have previously distracted and decimated the Labour Party across the nation. They argue that such a move contradicts the party’s constitution and national directives on adherence to due process and observed procedures.

The uproar within the ranks and file has grown in recent days, with ward and local government executives calling for urgent clarification and corrective action. Several members have immediately left the platform while others threatened to approach the courts if the national leadership fails to intervene and restore the outcome of the April 25 congress as monitored.

“We are drawing the attention of the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, to this development,” a statement from the concerned members reads. “Silence or inaction at this stage will be interpreted as endorsement of impunity, and the party will bear the consequences.”

They are urging the national leadership to:

1. Retrieve and compare the list submitted to the national secretariat against the list signed and observed by INEC, Police, and DSS on April 25.

2. Uphold the original outcome of the congress in line with the Electoral Act and party guidelines.

3. Discipline any official found culpable of altering or substituting the names of duly elected members.

4. Re-engage stakeholders in Ogun State to prevent further escalation and preserve party unity ahead of upcoming political activities.

The Labour Party national secretariat has not issued an official response as of press time.

Aside Ogun State labour Party, there have been reported case in different states like Oyo, Kogi, Plateau and others that the names of the Congress duly elected persons were either changed or outrightly jettisoned for Abure led group or certain loyalists who never partake in any State Congress. Is this not impunity?

The party's National Convention in Umuahia, Abia State approved the States Congresses and Invalidated the Abure congresses. For the National Leadership to revert to otherwise calls for concerns that the party's BOT must look into.

Party observers note that unresolved disputes at the state level have historically led to protracted legal disputes that weakened the party’s electoral performance. With 2027 approaching, members say the handling of the Ogun situation will signal whether the party intends to enforce internal democracy and genuine intentions to win the upcoming general elections or tolerate administrative manipulation.

Why Court nullifies INEC guidelines, says political parties have till September 2026 to submit membership register

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday invalidated guidelines by the Independent National Electoral Commission mandating political parties to submit a register and database of all members on May 10 to be eligible to contest for the 2027 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgement in a suit filed by the Youth Party, compelling INEC to follow the 120 days pre-election deadline prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026 for the submission of party registers.

“A Declaration is made that having regards to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026 which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, the Defendant cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter time frame in its 2027 elections,” stated the judgement.

All registered parties, according to Mr Umar, have until September to submit an updated list of all party members, nullifying the initial May 10 deadline.

The judgement gives politicians, who have lost primary elections in their respective parties, the leeway to defect to another political party to continue their ambitions.

The presidential and national assembly elections have been scheduled for January 16, 2027 while governorship and state Houses of assembly polls are set to hold on February 6, 2027.

Wave Of Defections Hits Imo Labour Party, Senate Candidate Resigns as Abure Loyalists enthroned

The Labour Party (LP) in Imo State is facing a major crisis following a wave of resignations by senior members, including a prominent Senate candidate as a result of lingering crises within the national structure of the party.

The National Convention in Umuahia, Abia State among the eleven resolutions reached approved the congresses conducted nationwide. The convention also Invalidated illegal congresses conducted by the supreme Court sacked Julius Abure. Senior INEC officers attended the Umuahia Convention.

In the name of reconciliation and harmonization which ensured that. Abure Loyalists were appointed into the national working committee of the party, the state structures and Congress Elected officers have been reported removed and their names may not be submitted to the INEC .


In Imo State, Deacon Chuka Solomon Obaego, a leading figure in the party and Senate aspirant for the Okigwe Zone (Imo North), formally resigned from the Labour Party with effect from April 30, 2026.


Obaego, who hails from Umuoke in Obowo Local Government Area, had been campaigning under the banner of “A Golden Dawn.”His departure has triggered a chain reaction, with several other party officials across the state also submitting their resignation letters.


Sources within the party described the exits as a “coordinated withdrawal” from the Labour Party’s structure in the state.


Although the resignation letters did not explicitly state reasons, insiders point to growing internal tensions and strategic realignments by members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the reports, the mass defection has created significant operational gaps for the Labour Party, particularly in Imo North Senatorial Zone, at a time of intense political realignment across Imo State.


As of Tuesday, the Labour Party leadership in Imo State had yet to issue an official statement on the development.


The exodus comes amid reports of lingering crises within the national structure of the Labour Party, further weakening the party’s position in the South-East state.

The overwhelming general opinions of members who stood with the part during the crisis is that nothing should displaced any Congress Elected officers of the party at any level and that the guidelines for harmonization should be strictly followed. Those working currently with the Nenadi Esther Usman are orchestrating plans in different states aiming at dislodging the State Structures for Abure men to take over. 

The uncertainty in the party is majorly responsible for the low turnout of the aspirants obtaining expression of interest forms and nomination forms of the Labour Party.

Julius Abure Sets to Dislodge Nenadi from within as reconciliation talks with Otti collapsed

The Labour Party's Factional National Chairman Julius Abure, has dismissed speculations that reconciliation talks between his camp and Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, collapsed over alleged financial demands, insisting that money was never discussed during the closed-door meeting. Punch newspaper reported Wednesday.

The supreme Court sacked former chairman disclosed this in an interview with  news men amid a lingering leadership crisis rocking the opposition party.

The National leader of the party and governor of Abia State Alex Otti had last month declared that the Labour Party remained open to reconciliation with Abure and his loyalists ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Otti had made the remark during the inaugural meeting of the party’s National Working Committee held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, where he attended as an observer.

The party during the National Convention had absorbed some of his loyalists and through consensus appointed them into important NWC positions. Notable among them is Madam Hilda Dokubo who is now the National women's Leader of the party under Nenadi Esther Usman led National Working Committee.

But speaking with Newsmen , Abure clarified that the recent engagement with Otti was strictly convened to explore reconciliation and chart a path toward unity within the party, but eventually ended in a deadlock over disagreements surrounding the control and structures of the party while his loyalists are already penetrating the structures at all levels under Nenadi.

While He (Abure) said the talks failed because Otti allegedly insisted that the existing Abure's structure be dissolved before any reconciliation could move forward. Sources confirmed that already the Abure loyalists have infiltrated the ranks and files of the party's structures both at the national and States levels to deray and dislodge the Nenadi leadership by any means possible.

With the pressures from within now around the National Chairman, the decisions of the party at the national convention and congresses organized and approved at the convention are been jetitioned and disregarded as many state leadership under Nenadi are currently been discarded.

Certain sources with the party argued that if Abure and his followers would be absorbed into the legally and authentic structure of the Labour Party, it should be after all of Abure's litigation against the party at the supreme Court discarded. They urged Nenadi to be careful and keep her structures  Nationwide.

Abure said : “We need to make it categorically clear that the meeting we had with Governor Otti was purely for reconciliation and how to forge ahead. But that meeting produced no headway because the governor refused to give an inch due to his earlier recalcitrant stand.

First, to share the positions in the NWC. Secondly, to take his governorship ticket and produce all the state House of Assembly candidates, including all the candidates for House of Representatives and Senate in Abia state.

Lastly, to produce any other governorship, House of Representatives and senatorial candidates in other states where he might have an interest.

“We further conceded the offices of the National Secretary and other key national offices. But with all these sacrifices from the leadership, the governor declined all the proposals and insisted that all positions in the NWC have already been filled by him, while offering us the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees.”

Abure also rejected allegations that he demanded financial inducement from the governor as part of the reconciliation process, describing the claims as false and deliberate misinformation.

“We also need to make it very clear that a lot of misconceptions have been spreading, probably deliberately, that the leadership of the Labour Party requested huge sums of money from Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, to reconcile.

“At no time was the issue of money discussed. Nobody made any financial requests, and nobody offered any money to anyone. We are therefore calling on all party members and supporters to disregard the fake news, whose sources are not too difficult to decipher,” he clarified.

The factional chairman expressed disappointment over the outcome of the reconciliation effort, blaming what he described as Otti’s intransigence for the collapse of the talks.

Abure further stated that his leadership would continue efforts to “recover the party” from what he termed “political buccaneers and merchants” allegedly bent on destabilising the Labour Party.

While he expressed confidence that the lingering leadership dispute would eventually be resolved by the Supreme Court following the appeal filed at the apex court, his loyalists within the continually recognized Nenadi led NWC team are already doing internal damaging and strategic move to reposition the Abure structures within the system.

There were clear indications that neither of the two sides are not willing to support the Nigeria's incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC. Members of Abure factions had more than two months ago declared support for the incumbent President, while Nenadi Esther Usman have not openly endorsed the president, members of her NWC from southern Zones have reportedly been routing for Tinubu while LP members in the National Assembly are also reportedly supporting the president.

The endless legal struggles and the victory secured from Court will become meaning if Abure can dislodged from within,  and very useless if both agreed to work and support the anti people Leadership of Bola Hammed Tinubu.

Nigerians who are at the receiving end of the bad governance and who genuinely want a change of leadership in the country through any of the opposition political parties have to do a rethink  and thorough re-evaluation.

Diaspora Labour Party Chapter Enthusiastically Endorses Bold, Free Nomination Forms to Empower Youth and Women Leaders for a New Nigeria

Washington DC, May 20, 2026

The Labour Party LP) diaspora chapter is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative led by our National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, aimed at democratizing access to political leadership by distributing free nomination forms. This initiative is designed specifically to empower competent youths, women, and other underrepresented groups in our society, enabling them to compete for various political positions in the upcoming elections.

In a press conference held on May 18, 2026, Barr. Abure articulated the party's commitment to enhancing political participation by removing the financial barriers that often deter qualified candidates from seeking office. He emphasized the Labour Party's mission to uplift the voices of those who have been historically marginalized, stating, “This initiative is a pivotal step towards lifting the burden of monetization in our political landscape. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of their financial background, deserves the opportunity to lead and effect change.”

*Key Highlights of the Initiative*

*Free Nomination Forms*

All nomination forms for various political positions will be available at no cost. Aspirants can easily download the forms from Labour Party’s official platforms, fill them out, and submit them to their respective state chairpersons.

*Targeting Youth and Women*

This initiative is particularly focused on empowering youths and women, who are crucial for driving innovation and change in Nigeria's political landscape.

*Encouraging Competence over Wealth*

By eliminating fees associated with candidacy, the Labour Party aims to prioritize competence and integrity over financial power, fostering a new generation of leaders who can represent the interests of all Nigerians.

*Upcoming Primaries*

The party's governorship and state Houses of Assembly primaries are scheduled for May 27, 2026, followed by House of Representatives and Senate primaries on May 29, 2026. A consensus-driven selection process for the presidential candidate will also take place on the same day in Abuja.

Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, Chairman of the Diaspora Labour Party Chapter, endorsed this initiative, highlighting its alignment with the Labour Party's core values of inclusivity and social justice. He stated, “This initiative is not merely about politics; it’s about giving hope and representation to those who have been overlooked for too long. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on our communities as we work towards a new Nigeria.”

As the Labour Party prepares for the 2027 elections, we call on all eligible individuals to seize this opportunity and participate in shaping the future of our nation. Together, we can build a political landscape that reflects the diversity and strength of our great nation.

Prof. Eddie Oparaoji  

Chairman, Diaspora Labour Party Chapter &

Director General, Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs (DIDA)

2027: Idoma Set To Produce Nigeria's President As Labour Party Chieftain Dr Peter Agada Joins Presidential Race

A chieftain of the opposition Labour Party (LP) Architect (Dr) Peter Agada, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, expressing confidence that the Idoma nation is ready to produce Nigeria’s next president, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Agada

Dr Agada made the declaration on Friday during a historic visit to the palace of the Och’Idoma, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, where he formally informed the paramount ruler of his presidential ambition.

The event attracted a large crowd of palace chiefs, youth groups, traditional aides, political associates and supporters, who thronged the palace in what observers described as a significant political moment for Idoma land.Politics

The Labour Party stalwart, who hails from Epeilo in Otukpa with maternal roots in the Obekpa family, arrived at the palace alongside a delegation of young professionals and political allies amid cultural displays and chants from supporters.

Addressing the royal court, Agada, the immediate past Director of Finance of the Obedient Movement, unveiled his policy agenda tagged “Labour Direct,” which he said would focus on tackling insecurity, unemployment, economic decline and infrastructural decay across the country.

According to him, insecurity, mass youth unemployment, the weakening naira and loss of trust in governance remain some of the major challenges confronting Nigeria.

Under the Labour Direct initiative, Agada pledged to introduce community-led intelligence supported by technology-driven security systems to secure communities, farms and cities across the country.

On economic development and job creation, he proposed the establishment of industrial hubs across the six geopolitical zones, with emphasis on agro-processing and solid minerals development linked directly to youth employment.

He also promised to implement a national skills-to-industry programme, alongside reforms in education and primary healthcare aimed at strengthening human capital development.

“Nigeria needs execution, not excuses. Labour Direct is about putting Nigerians to work, securing them, skilling them, and giving them a stake,” Agada stated. 

The LP presidential hopeful is currently a member of the Big Tent Shadow Government, serving as Minister of Infrastructure, Energy, Works, Housing and Urban Development. He also previously served as Chairman of the Big Tent Support Group Council.

Agada is the Founder and Chairman of Cyrus Group Nigeria and President of the Congress of Nigerian Professionals.

Responding, the Och’Idoma, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, expressed excitement over the growing involvement of young people in national politics, describing Agada’s aspiration as bold and inspiring.Politics

The monarch, however, stressed the need for greater unity among the Idoma people, insisting that unity remains critical if the ethnic nationality must produce leaders capable of competing nationally.

“Unity amongst the Idoma has been largely lacking. If we must present our best to Nigeria, we must first be one at home,” the royal father said.

The Och’Idoma subsequently offered royal blessings and prayers for the success of the project, calling on Idoma sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to support the aspiration.

The palace later erupted in chants and celebrations as youth groups and supporters hailed what many described as a new political awakening for the Idoma nation.

Movement For Credible Elections (MCE), Leaders of Civil Society Demand Urgent Adjustment of 2027 Election Timelines by 90 Days, in Memo to INEC Chairman

MCE, Bugaje, Ezekwesili, Isuwa Dogo, Okunniyi, Leaders of Civil Society Demand Urgent Adjustment of 2027 Election Timelines by 90 Days, in Memo to INEC Chairman

…… To Meet with INEC Chairman Soon over 2027 Elections 

Abuja, May 6, 2026 — A prominent civil society coalition, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has formally petitioned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging an urgent adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 general elections to safeguard fairness, inclusivity, and the credibility of the electoral process.

In a detailed letter dated May 4, 2026, and submitted at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the coalition of civil society leaders and groups —working in collaboration with the Good Governance Group (GGG)—called for a 90-day extension for the submission of party membership registers and the conduct of pre-primary processes; arguing that recent legal uncertainties affecting several political parties have created an uneven playing field that could undermine the legitimacy and outcomes of the elections if not addressed urgently.

Describing itself as a “Pan Nigerian, multi-stakeholders, citizens-led coalition,” MCE said it was compelled to act in the interest of democratic stability of the country. “We…wish to draw your attention to the urgent need for equitable adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 elections in line with your constitutional mandate towards safeguarding the integrity of 2027 General elections,” the letter stated.

The coalition emphasized that the issue goes beyond administrative scheduling, framing it as a constitutional and democratic imperative. “Nigeria’s electoral process is not governed by timelines alone but by the overarching constitutional obligation of ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all political actors,” the letter read.

Legal and Constitutional Grounds

MCE anchored its argument on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws, particularly referencing Section 77(2), which mandates political parties to maintain and submit membership registers. According to the movement, this requirement presupposes that parties operate within stable and legally coherent structures—conditions it claims are currently absent in some cases.

The letter pointed to “recent judicial developments, culminating in definitive pronouncements by the Supreme Court on internal party leadership disputes,” which it said have thrown several parties into prolonged legal uncertainty. Among the Political Parties listed are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).

“These circumstances may materially impair their ability to lawfully organize congresses, update membership registers, and prepare for credible primaries, in line with the guidelines ” of INEC” the coalition warned.

It further alleged that INEC’s current regulatory posture has “contributed to their state of limbo within opposition political parties, thereby creating an uneven operational landscape for the affected parties.”

Call for Flexibility and Fairness

Invoking principles of justice and fairness, the coalition stressed that rigid adherence to timelines in the face of exceptional circumstances could violate democratic fairness 

“In law, it is a settled principle that fairness must underpin all procedural frameworks,” the letter noted, adding that “where strict adherence to timelines undermines fairness, such timelines must yield to equity.”

The group also highlighted INEC’s constitutional powers under Section 153 and the Third Schedule, arguing that the Commission is “not merely an administrative body enforcing deadlines but a constitutional guardian vested with regulatory discretion for the electoral justness”

This discretion, MCE argued, should be exercised in the current context to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure equal opportunity for parties “The rigid enforcement of timelines under such conditions risks violating the principle of equal opportunity and may inadvertently disenfranchise party members from meaningful participation in internal democracy,” it stated.

Proposal for 90-Day Extension of Election Timelines:

Central to the letter is the demand for a 90-day extension of the 2027 Election Timelines, which the coalition described as both necessary and justified within the electoral law, 2026

“Such an extension is justified on multiple grounds. It restores parity among political parties…enhances the credibility of the electoral process…[and] protects the constitutional rights of party members to participate meaningfully in democratic processes,” the letter argued.

The group added that the move would also “reinforce public confidence in INEC as a neutral and fair arbiter.”

Warning on Public Perception and Legal Risks

The coalition cautioned that public perception of INEC’s neutrality is already under scrutiny and warned that failure to act could deepen distrust.

“We must also candidly note that public perception of the Commission’s neutrality is under increasing scrutiny. In electoral governance, perception is inseparable from legitimacy,” the letter stated.

It further warned that refusing to adjust the timelines could lead to “serious legal and ethical concerns,” including “entrenching structural disadvantages, inviting avoidable litigation, and potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process itself.”

A Test of INEC’s Commitment

In a strongly worded conclusion, MCE framed the issue as a test of INEC’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.

“Mr Chairman, the issue before the Commission is not whether it possesses the authority to act, but whether it will exercise that authority in a manner that advances justice,” the coalition declared.

“A 90-day extension is not a concession; it is a necessary recalibration to restore balance and uphold the principles upon which our democracy is founded.”

The letter was signed by prominent leaders of the Nigerian Civil Society, including Prof. Usman Bugaje (Chairman), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Co-Chairperson), Dr. Isuwa Dogo (for GGG), and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the National Secretariat of the MCE 

Awaiting INEC’s Response

As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission had not issued an official response to the letter. However, political observers say the request places the Commission at a critical crossroads as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The coming days are expected to reveal whether INEC will heed the call for flexibility or maintain its current electoral timetable, a decision that could significantly shape the credibility, inclusiveness and acceptability of Nigeria’s next general elections.

Signed 

Olawale Okunniyi 

(Veteran Che)

08033993867

Head of National Secretariat,

Movement for Credible Elections, MCE

2027 General Elections: Meet Labour Party Presidential Aspirant Dr Peter Agada

 

"Arc. Dr. Peter Agada" is a 29-year veteran architect, infrastructure policy strategist, and acoustic design specialist. He’s the Principal of Cyrus Acoustics Sound C4i & Co. Limited, President of the Congress of Professionals, and currently serves as the *Shadow Minister of Infrastructure in the Big Tent Shadow Government.

Here’s who he is and why Nigeria needs him now:

WHO HE IS

1. The Architect of Substance:

29+ years in practice across Nigeria and Africa. Not just building design, but *acoustic architecture - the specialized field of soundproofing, acoustics, and facility performance for public buildings, studios, and industrial sites. That’s a rare skill set in Nigeria.

Infrastructure Designer: Has developed master plans for highways, oil & gas facilities, energy systems, multimodal transport, logistics hubs, agro-industrial clusters, tech parks, and military security infrastructure.

2. The Policy Architect 

President, Congress of Professionals since 2006*: Leads a team of global and local experts who design policy solution templates for government. They’ve been advising on infrastructure and economic planning for nearly 20 years.

Founder of http://LABOURDIRECT.COM*: A cross-sector digital platform that integrates policy and infrastructure planning for every sector of the economy. It’s a ready-made system government can adopt instead of starting from scratch.

3. The Political Operator 

Immediate Past Director of Finance, Obedient Movement: Managed finance and operations for one of Nigeria’s largest civic movements. Shows he can handle public funds and accountability.

Shadow Minister of Infrastructure: Directly responsible for policy blueprints on Energy, Works, Housing, and Urban Development. He’s already written the playbook for reform.

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS HIM NOW

Nigeria’s infrastructure crisis isn’t just lack of money. It’s waste, abandonment, and lack of integration. Arc. Dr. Agada hits all three problems at once:

Nigeria’s Problem — What He Brings

₦3T+ yearly waste from inflated contracts and abandoned projects  — Open BOQ + Acoustic expertise: He knows how to read a Bill of Quantities and spot inflated costs. As an architect, he understands that you don’t build without approved drawings and measured quantities.

12,000+ abandoned projects littering the country — Finish-first policy: His Congress of Professionals has been pushing “complete old projects before starting new ones” since 2006. He has the template.

Fragmented planning: Housing, energy, transport all operate in silos **Integrated master planning**: http://LABOURDIRECT.COM connects all sectors so roads, housing, energy, and logistics are planned together, not in isolation.

No trust in government spending — Transparency + accountability background: Finance director experience + shadow minister role means he understands public scrutiny and will deliver visible results.

Slow implementation: 2-3 years just for design and approvals — Ready-to-deploy solutions: He already has master plans and policy frameworks. You skip the consulting phase and move straight to execution.

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THE 100-DAY VALUE

If you appoint him today:

Day 30: He can audit and publish the real status of all abandoned FG projects using his BOQ expertise.

Day 60: He can roll out http://LABOURDIRECT.COM as the government’s infrastructure planning dashboard.

Day 100: He can break ground on 2-3 integrated projects that combine housing + energy + transport, because he’s designed them already.

The Architect’s Advantage: Most ministers are politicians. He’s a builder who understands policy. He doesn’t just talk infrastructure. He can draw it, cost it, build it, and defend it.

The Timing Advantage: Nigeria just removed fuel subsidy. People need to see visible infrastructure and housing delivery fast to restore trust. He has the designs and the delivery framework to do it.

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In one line: _Arc. Dr. Peter Agada is the man who can design the building, write the policy for it, cost it transparently, and deliver it without abandonment. He is the New Architect For A New Nigeria.

LABOUR PARTY (LP) RELEASES PRIMARY ELECTION TIMETABLE, SCHEDULES AND FEES FOR THE 2027 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

RE: "PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LABOUR PARTY (LP) NIGERIA 

Office of The National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria 

LP/NHQ/ONPS/PRIMARIES/2026/003

Dated: Sunday 3rd May, 2026

(1): In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC's) Revised Timetable and Schedule of Political Parties Activities for the Conduct of the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria.

(2): The Labour Party (LP) hereby releases its timetable and schedule of activities for the sale of forms and expression of Interest for the  conduct of its 2026 primary elections in Nigeria 

(3): The below is the timetable and schedule of activities for the sales of forms and Conduct of the Labour Party (LP) party primaries:

(4): SALE OF NOMINATION FORMS: 

(a): Sale of nomination forms for all elective offices shall commence on Wednesday, 6th May, 2026 and end on Monday, 16th May, 2026

(b): STRUCTURED FEES FOR NOMINATION FORMS:

(i): . HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: 

Expression of Interest Form: 

₦1,000,000

Nomination Form: 

₦2,000,000

Total: ₦3,000,000

(ii): . HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: 

Expression of Interest Form: 

₦1,500,000

Nomination Form: 

₦3,500,000

Total: ₦5,000,000

(iii): . SENATE: 

Expression of Interest Form: 

₦2,500,000

Nomination Form: 

₦7,500,000

Total: ₦10,000,000

(iv): . GUBERNATORIAL:

Expression of Interest Form: 

₦5,000,000

Nomination Form: 

₦20,000,000

Total: ₦25,000,000

(vi): PLEASE NOTE;

His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti shall be presented with the Labour Party (LP) Governorship Forms   FOR FREE by the National Working Committee (NWC) as our appreciation for his commitment to rebuilding the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria as the National Leader and OUR STAR ⭐ BOY

(vi):. PRESIDENTIAL:

Expression of Interest Form: 

₦10,000,000

Nomination Form: 

₦40,000,000

Total: ₦50,000,000

(5): . SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED FORMS:

Begins on Tuesday, 17th May 2026 and ends on Wednesday, 18th May, 2026.

(6): . SCREENING OF ASPIRANTS: 

a. House of Assembly and Governorship - 

20th May, 2026.

b. National Assembly and Presidential - 

22nd May, 2026

c. Publication of Screening Results: 

23rd May 2026. 

(7):. APPEALS/PETITIONS: 

a. House of Assembly and Governorship - 

24th May, 2026.

b. National Assembly and Presidential - 

25th May, 2026

c. Publication of Final List of Cleared Aspirants -  26th May, 2026.

(8):.  PARTY PRIMARIES:

(a): . House of Assembly and Governorship - 27th May 2026

b. National Assembly and Presidential - 

29th May 2026

 

(9): PLEASE NOTE: 

In line with the Labour Party Motto, which is Equal Opportunity and Social Justice, the party has also approved some concessions for the following categories of people: 

(a): FEMALE, PEOPLE LIVING with Disabilities and YOUTH (25-30 years) aspirants shall only be required to pay for the Expression of Interest Forms for all categories of positions.

 (b): MEMBERSHIP E-REGISTRATION 

Finally, the Labour Party urges all prospective aspirants for the 2027 elections who are yet to register with the Party to take advantage of the ongoing membership e-registration and register before the midnight of Monday, 4th May, 2026. 

Registration remains open from Sunday, 3rd May 2026 to midnight on Monday, 4th May 2026, ahead of the compilation and submission of the party’s membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Signed:

 Ken Eluma Asogwa

National Publicity Secretary

3rd May 2026

Labour Party LP 

Forward Ever !

Labour Party Convention Invalidate Julius Abure National Convention and congresses, Affirmed the Constitution of Senator Nenadi Esther Usman Led NWC

At the ongoing elective National Convention in Umuahia, Abia State, the delegates have Invalidated the purported national convention conducted by the ex-national chairman of the party Mr. Julius Abure. The convention also Invalidated congresses later conducted by the convention.

However, the convention ratified the then appointment of the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman led interim National Working Committee.

Up to eleven motions were moved and passed by the convention. Among those that moved the motions and seconded it are the National Youth Leader Comrade Anslem Eragbe and Mrs. Nike Oriola moved and seconded the motions invalidating the the congresses conducted the by Abure. Another motion also affirmed the constitution of the interim state working committee across the states of the federation.

The just conducted wards, locals and States congresses were also adopted and unanimously passed by the convention.

Among other motions moved and passed they the NEC in section is the Commendation votes in favour of INEC, Judiciary, Alex Otto led management of the Labour party and Senator Nenadi Esther Usman led national working committee (interim) for restoring stability to the Labour Party (LP)

Ahead of the delegates votes, the convention also moved, seconded and passed the resolution of the interim National Working Committee for the proper conductions of the substantial elective national working committee.

FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe says key provisions in the amended Electoral Act 2026 are different from what was passed by the National Assembly

Ireti Kingibe 

Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Kingibe, has openly alleged that key provisions in the Nigeria's amended Electoral Act 2026 are different from what was worked on by the legislature affirming that every aspect of the electoral amendment bill was turned upside down.

Kingibe while speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Monday said the version of the bill transmitted for presidential assent contains changes that were never debated or approved by lawmakers, particularly on ballot paper security and results transmission. She said the electoral reform committee and the Senate Committee on INEC did painstaking work. What we have now deviates from that original document,

The provision on ballot paper security features, serial numbering, and real-time transmission safeguards were watered down. This is not what we passed.

Kingibe who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the main opposition Labour Party (LP), did not specify who altered the document but called for an investigation into the harmonization and clean copy process between the National Assembly and the Executive. She warned that the changes could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to build on the 2022 Act by introducing stricter timelines for pre-election cases, biometric accreditation safeguards, and enhanced penalties for vote buying. 

One contested clause reportedly weakened the mandatory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, making it subject to network availability without clear fallback procedures.

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.

Labour Party Unveils Membership E-Registration — See The Simple Steps and Requirements To Become LP Card Carrying Member

The Leadership of the Nigeria's Labour Party (LP) has unveiled online Membership registration portal for membership registration Nationwide in all the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory FCT.

With the unavailing if the registration portal, people of all works of life can now register online and become members of the Labour party (LP).


 Senator Nenadi Esther Usman led leadership of the party launched the E-Registration platform last week.


Below are the simple requirements to register and become a member of the Labour party in Nigeria with membership card.

First name

Middle name

Last name

Residential address

Occupation 

Email

date of birth 

Phone no

NIN

Gender

Marital status

Voters card Identification  Number  (VIN —11 digit no) 

Password photograph

Register today 

Sir Dele Abiola 

Interim Chairman 

Oyo State Labour Party 

CLARIFICATION ON INEC RESPONSE TO LABOUR PARTY MATTER

6th March, 2026

The attention of members and supporters of the Labour Party has been drawn to various interpretations regarding the recent response from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning the dissolution of Ward, Local Government and State Executives of the party.

For the avoidance of doubt, INEC’s response simply indicates that the proper constitutional procedure must be followed. This includes convening a valid National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, with the required 21-day statutory notice to INEC, and citing the relevant provisions of the Labour Party Constitution 2019 (as amended).

It is important to emphasize that the existing structures under the leadership of Julius Abure had already expired prior to the expiration of the National Working Committee (NWC) tenure on 8th June 2024.

Accordingly, the leadership of the party under the Caretaker Committee led by Nenadi Usman, with the Secretary Darlington Nwokocha, is expected to follow the due process by convening a NEC meeting to obtain the necessary resolutions which INEC can lawfully implement.

Members of the party and the general public are therefore advised not to panic, as the matter is procedural and will be addressed in accordance with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

 Labour Party – Forward Ever!

 Borno State Interim State Working Committee

Labour Party (LP)

State Chairman

Labour Party in Save Hands: Ongoing Renovation at National Secretariat, Abuja (VIDEO)

 Ongoing Renovation at the Labour Party National Secretariat, Abuja by the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman led Interim National Leadership.

OGUN STATE: Gov. Dapo Abiodun 65th birthday bash in a Beach Party & in Private Island (Video)

Ogun State Monthly allocation already quadruple from FG, so more commonwealth's money for partying with pretty girls

He tried to even beat Obi Cubana in his game!