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*

LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT AS OGUN LABOUR PARTY CLOSE RANKS TO PRESENT UNIFIED CANDIDATES

Mojisola O. Àjàyí

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — In a show of political unity, the Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party closed ranks in the late hours of April 30th 2026, to present a joint consensus slate after marathon negotiations that stretched through the night of April 30th from 3:00 pm in the evening.

The protracted, energy-sapping meeting held in Abeokuta saw the two major divides within the party set aside differences to forge a single front ahead of this election cycle. 

After hours of consultations, the party announced Mrs Mojisola O. Àjàyí as its consensus governorship candidate. Other key positions on the ticket were also filled through the same consensus agreement, though the party said full details of the slate would be released after official documentation is perfected..

Party leaders described the outcome as a “landmark achievement” for the Labour Party in Ogun, noting that the decision to present unified candidates was reached after protracted, energy sapping long hours of meeting that lasted till late night. 

“This is what democracy looks like when interests are subordinated to the collective good,” a senior party chieftain said. “We went in as factions, we came out as one family with Mrs Mojisola O. Àjàyí leading the charge.”

Political observers say the unified presentation removes a major source of tension within the Ogun Labour Party and positions the party to campaign with one voice. The consensus arrangement is expected to strengthen the party’s structure across the state’s 20 local government areas while they synergize to strategies and develop an action plan to kick out the incumbent political party out of governance.

Mrs Àjàyí, a grassroots mobilizer, addressed the press after  Apagun Olaolu Samuel and Yeye Olubukola Aṣabi Soyoye jointly unveiled and presented her to the good people of Ogun State at an International Press Conference yesterday at Iwe-iroyin House, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.

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

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.

LABOUR PARTY: Ogun State Publicity secretary Resigns From The Party

Kika

The Publicity secretary of the Ogun State Labour Party Kika Glasgow resigned his membership of the party.

According to a letter of resignation written on 20th May, 2026, addressed to the National Chairman of the party Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, Kika tendered his formal resignation from the Labour Party with immediate effect.

Kika Glasgow sited recent actions of the National Leadership which have demonstrated that the Labour Party is no longer a vehicle for justice, internal democracy, or the reward of loyalty.

According to him, congresses that were duly validated at the Umuahia National Convention have been arbitrarily declared null and void, even though delegates from those same congresses elected the substantive National Executive Committee members.

The letter reads in Full:

 

LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM THE LABOUR PARTY

Date: 20th May,2026

To:

The National Chairman

Labour Party

Abuja, Nigeria

Through:

The State Chairman

Ogun State Labour Party

Subject: Letter of Resignation from the Labour Party

Dear Comrades,

I, Kika Glasgow, hereby tender my formal resignation from the Labour Party, effective immediately.

I have served this party diligently as the Publicity Secretary in Ogun State, remaining loyal to the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee since November 2024. I stood with this leadership through court battles and against intimidation—including arrests and disruption of our meetings by security operatives instigated by opposition forces within our state.

Unfortunately, the recent actions of the National Leadership have demonstrated that the Labour Party is no longer a vehicle for justice, internal democracy, or the reward of loyalty. Specifically:

1. Despite our unwavering support, the party's structure in Ogun State has been handed over to individuals who recently opposed this leadership, manipulated security agencies against us, and now falsely claim loyalty for personal gain.

2. Congresses that were duly validated at the Umuahia National Convention have been arbitrarily declared null and void, even though delegates from those same congresses elected the substantive National Executive Committee members.

3. A so-called "harmonization committee" with vested interests has replaced legitimately elected state executives with handpicked loyalists, particularly in states of strategic interest.

4. The Deputy National Chairman, Mrs. Nike Oriola, has conducted herself with vindictiveness, openly replacing anyone she personally dislikes or who has previously offended her—an unacceptable trait in a leadership that claims to be democratic.

These actions reveal a party that is not truly prepared to win elections, serve the people's interest, or operate democratically. Rather, the Labour Party under this leadership has reverted to transactional politics and personal vendettas.

I can no longer remain in a party where loyalty is punished, deception is rewarded, and personal grudges determine organizational outcomes. I intend to join a genuinely democratic political party where committed members are allowed to benefit from their loyalty.

Furthermore, I wish to state clearly that the entire structure of the Labour Party in Odeda Local Government will move with me to join another political party.

I thank those genuine comrades who fought alongside me. I wish the Labour Party well, but I cannot continue under this leadership or structure.

Yours sincerely,

Kika Glasgow

Former Publicity Secretary (Ogun State Labour Party)

08138192339

Copy to:

· Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ogun State Office

· Labour Party National Secretariat

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.

#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.

Quit Notice to Transactional Political Class in Ogun Labour Party

Apagun 

In a dramatic twist of events within the Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party, a familiar pattern of political opportunism has once again reared its ugly head—one that calls for urgent attention, clarity, and decisive action.

The group formerly aligned with the Abure-led faction—whose actions were marked by hostility, intimidation, and outright repression of dissenting voices—have suddenly rebranded themselves as loyalists of the Sen. Nnenadi Usman-led leadership. These are individuals who, not too long ago, actively maligned her supporters, orchestrated their harassment, and in some cases, facilitated their unjust arrests and disruption of their meetings through the unlawful acts of the law enforcement agencies. Today, in a stunning display of political convenience, they parade themselves as defenders of the very cause they once undermined, underrated, denigrated and suffocated.

This sudden transformation did not occur in a vacuum. It followed the court judgment of January 21st, a ruling that altered the internal balance of power and exposed the fragility of loyalties built not on ideology, but on access to influence. Faced with a new political reality, these actors have retreated from their former positions and embarked on what can only be described as a political pilgrimage—jetting off to Abuja and Umuahia, eager to capture photographic evidence of proximity to perceived centers of authority.

Their strategy is clear: to leverage these carefully curated moments—selfies with prominent figures—to create an illusion of endorsement, legitimacy, and insider status and boastfully claim in the public space that they have settled everything with Sen. Nnenadi Usman and Governor Alex Otto of Abia State. This deceptive optics is then deployed back home in Ogun State to mislead party faithful, manipulate public perception, and reinsert themselves into positions of relevance and control.

But let it be said unequivocally: proximity is not loyalty, and opportunism is not leadership.

The Labour Party, as a movement, was built on principles of justice, integrity, and people-centered governance. It cannot afford to be hijacked by transactional politicians whose memories of their past deeds are still very fresh with us, and their allegiance shifts with the winds of power. The party’s future depends on consistency, accountability, and a firm commitment to its founding ideals—not on recycled actors seeking rehabilitation without remorse or restitution.

This is, therefore, a formal notice—a political and moral quit notice—to all those who view the party as a platform for personal advancement rather than collective progress. Ogun State Labour Party must not be reduced to a marketplace of influence where loyalty is traded and principles are negotiable. Those who refuse to give official recognition to whom is due, having been approved and appointed by the Sen. Nnenadi Usman led Labour Party, subtly working through an interface and a support group platform of LPPMC, and who never for once acknowledge or respect any invitation extended to her cannot claim to be seeking reconciliation as they were actually lobbying for reconstitution of Labour Party in Ogun State.

True members and supporters must remain vigilant. The struggle to build a credible alternative political force requires not just participation, but discernment. Not everyone who speaks the language of reform believes in it. Not everyone who poses for pictures represents progress.

The time has come to draw a clear line.

Those who once stood against the movement, who undermined its values and oppressed its members, must not be allowed to rewrite history of Ogun State Labour Party without recourse to accountability. Redemption, if it is to be considered at all, must come with honesty, restitution, and a demonstrable commitment to change—not mere optics and opportunistic alignment.

Ogun Labour Party belongs to its genuine members—the resilient, the consistent, and the principled. It is not a refuge for political nomads seeking relevance in every new power configuration.

Let this serve as both a warning and a call to action. We are watching with keen interest, as we will not allow our labour to go down the drain, your actions and inactions to engage lobbyists working in your interests through internal mechanism of the party are laid bare and all who participate in the exercise will get their names written in the history book of our great party.

The era of transactional politics must end. The future demands integrity.

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

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!

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.