Party politics: INEC, Presidency Complicits in Sustaining illegality to undermine Labour Party - Eragbe

 

Disclaimer: Tunji Sodiq is an impostor, public and Security operatives should beware - Oyo State Labour Party

It has come to the knowledge of the Oyo State Labour Party's interim State Working Committee that the former Chairman of our party Mr Tunji Sodiq (Atayese) is still parading himself as the State Chairman of our beloved party. We wish to state it clearly that he is an imposter.

The general public as well as security operatives in Oyo State and beyond should be aware.

The Oyo State Labour Party Interim Committee, under the leadership of Senator Ninandi (National interim chairman) and Hon. Dele Abiola (state interim Chairman), hereby informs the good people of Oyo State and beyond that they should not engage with the self-acclaimed bimpostor chairman, Mr. Atayese, or his so-called executives who claimed to have elected themselves through a kangaroo congress.

Atayese 

For clarity, no Congress has be conducted from the ward to local government and state level in Oyo State. Equally no directives for any Congress by the National Working Committee of the party has been given.

Mr. Atayese who previously served as the Oyo State Labour Party chairman though as the place holder for both PDP in the state and APC at the Federal level respectively, has his tenure expired. 

Additionally, the national and state executives under Julius Abure have been dissolved and disbanded by the be organs of our party ( NLC/TUC, political commission and the Labour Party Board Of trustees BOT). Just as The Supreme Court of Nigeria had also declared in it's land mark judgement 

Following this development, the NLC and TUC, who are the major stakeholders of the Labour Party, BOT and other stakeholders installed an interim National Working Committee (iNWC) under the leadership of Senator USMAN ESTHER NENADI i and recently an interim State Working Committee (iSWC) to oversee the affairs of the party and to conduct proper congresses that will produce legitimate leadership of the party in the state.

It is also important to state that a Federal High Court of Nigeria, in its ruling on October 15, restrained Abure and his cohort from conducting any congress. Therefore, any congress held in defiance of this order is contempt of court and should be considered invalid, and any leadership emerging from such unlawful activity has no legitimacy.

For the avoidance of doubt, below is the member list of the Labour Party Interim State Working Committee: 

Note:

There is no faction in the Oyo State Labour Party. There is only one authentic Interim Committee. Mr. Atayese and his gangs are impostors. No one should engage with them on any matter concerning the Labour Party.

Therefore, we also call on the different organs stakeholders of our dear party at the National, the NLC , TUC, their political commission, the Labour Party BOT and other stakeholders to also take a decisive steps and willfully rescue the party from the Barr Julius Abure led impostors. Nigerians especially the youths, students, artisans, farmers, women and many more are expecting more from Labour Party.

Thank you.

Mr Olufayo Mayowa 

Interim Treasurer 

Oyo State Labour Party

Apagun Olaolu Samuel Retains Labour Party Leadership Seat in Ogun State

Apagun 

In a remarkable display of resilience and strategic acumen, Apagun Olaolu Samuel has successfully retained his position as the leader of the Labour Party in Ogun State, overcoming significant challenges and opposition. This remarkable achievement underscores his commitment to the party's principles, pragmatic leadership style, political sagacity, broad based support and the trust placed in him by party members.

Navigating a Tumultuous Landscape

The political landscape in Ogun State has been anything but stable in recent months. Faced with internal disputes, rival factions, and external pressures, many anticipated a shift in leadership that could complicate the party's objectives. However, Samuel's steady hand and unwavering dedication to the Labour Party's vision have proven instrumental in maintaining unity and direction within the organization.

Building Bridges and Fostering Unity

One of Samuel’s key strategies in retaining leadership has been his focus on coalition-building and dialogue. Understanding the importance of inclusivity, he actively engaged with party members, listened to their concerns, and worked to address division within the ranks. By fostering an environment of open communication, Samuel has not only strengthened party cohesion but also reinstated confidence among stakeholders and supporters, honouring patriots and carpeting traitors and the neck deep transactional leaders

A Commitment to Grassroots Mobilization

Samuel’s leadership style is characterized by a strong emphasis on grassroots mobilization and his vociferous opposition of the incumbent ruling party and showing them navigation course without taking a political cruise. Recognizing that the strength of the Labour Party lies in its connection to the community, being a community development practitioner and an advocate for grassroots mobilisation, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering local party structures and enhancing voter engagement. His outreach programs have resonated with constituents, reinforcing the party's relevance in an increasingly competitive political arena.

Overcoming Challenges with Strategic Vision

Throughout his tenure, Samuel has faced numerous challenges, including skepticism from political rivals who sought to undermine his leadership, having gone through the thick and thin, passing through the valleys of the shadows of death, his firmness stood him out. Despite this, he managed to leverage his experience and vision to navigate complex political waters. His ability to articulate the Labour Party's agenda effectively has galvanized support for him both local and at the national space, having drawn in new members, bolstering the party's appeal across different demographics, and has proven himself as an _Apagun-Pọ̀tẹ̀_ indeed

Impact on Ogun State Politics

Samuel’s retention of leadership has significant implications for the future of the Labour Party in Ogun State. By staying true to the party’s core values—such as social justice, equity, and transparency—he is positioned to steer the party toward greater electoral success in upcoming elections. His leadership represents a commitment to ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard and addressed, reinforcing the party's foundational mission.

Looking Ahead

As Apagun Olaolu Samuel continues to lead the Labour Party in Ogun State, his focus will likely remain on unity, strategic outreach, and grassroots empowerment. The road ahead may still present challenges, but with his demonstrated resilience and innovative approach, there is hope for a revitalized Labour Party under his leadership.

In conclusion, Samuel’s recent success in retaining his position is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the strong bond he has forged with party members. As the Labour Party gears up for future electoral battles, the foundations laid during this pivotal moment will undoubtedly shape its trajectory and impact within Ogun State and beyond. You must have heard before, but now you know, that Labour Party in Ogun State is in a safe hands.

PRESS RELEASE: LABOUR PARTY SUBMITS LIST OF INTERIM STATE WORKING COMMITTEES (ISWC) TO INEC, CONSTITUTES MEMBERSHIP REVALIDATION COMMITTEE

Friday 5th December, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labour Party… Forward Ever!

Ife Salako

Interim National Publicity Secretary

5th December 2025"

Labour Party BOT: Unilateral actions of Seyi Showunmi in the Southwest must be Checked - Ogun State LP Chairman

Apagun Olaolu Samuel

Ogun State interim Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) Apagun Olaolu Samuel has called on the Labour Party Board Of Trustees to checkmate the unilateral activities of the Honourable representing Ojo Federal Constituency of LAGOS STATE Seyi Sowunmi in the South West.

According to the letter addressed to the Secretary of the BOT and made available to the media , with the exception of Ogun State which has been an integral part of NWC if the party from the beginning, Seyi Sowunmi has been unilaterally nominating members of the interim national working committee for the Southwest without proper consultation.

It's noteworthy to add that in another petition to the Nenadi Usman Led National Working Committee of the party by the Oyo State Stakeholders of the LP,  Sowunmi has also been accused of trying to supplanted the authentic Labour Party structures in some states  to set up his own State Working Committee for  the Labour Party.  

With individuals of questionable intents like Seyi Sowunmi, the party may only be moving from one crises to the other.

Below is the letter addressed to the Labour BOT Secretary: 

To:

The Secretary, 

Board of Trustee

Labour Party,

Nigeria,

Abuja.

*Petition Against Hon. Seyi Showunmi’s Unilateral Actions in the Southwest Region*

Dear Sir,

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the unilateral political activities of Hon. Seyi Showunmi within the Southwest region. It has come to my attention that he has been nominating members of the interim national working committee for the Southwest without proper consultation, with the exception of Ogun State, which has been an integral part of our party from the beginning.

Furthermore, it is alarming that he is also presenting nominations for the state working committees without engaging with key stakeholders and local party members. He claims to represent the Southwest leadership of the Labour Party, yet his actions suggest a self-serving agenda which undermines our democratic principles.  

His antecedents in Lagos are also a clear example of his undemocratic tendencies. 

If these actions continue unchecked, we risk creating a similar situation to that of Abayomi Arabambi, wherein one individual manipulates the party framework to benefit personal interests rather than those of all party members throughout the region. It is crucial to note that Hon. Showunmi’s jurisdiction is limited primarily to his role as a House of Representatives member in the OJO Constituency in Lagos. His attempts to exert influence across the Southwest should be scrutinized before he succeeds in destabilizing the Party. 

We urge the national body to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure a fair and representative process for all nominations within the Labour Party in the Southwest. It is essential that we uphold the core values of democracy, inclusivity, and collaboration that our party represents.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

*Apagun Olaolu Samuel*

Chairman 

Labour Party 

Ogun State 

Cc:

Chairman, 

NLC Political Commission

Abuja

Secretary

Labour Party National

Abuja

PRESS RELEASE: INEC MUST RESPECT COURT JUDGEMENTS ON LABOUR PARTY (LP) LEADERSHIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed:

Ken Eluma Asogwa

Senior Special Adviser, Media, to the Interim National Chairman, Labour Party, Senator Nenadi E. Usman.

14th October, 202

DISCLAIMER: Tunji Sadiq led Exco is illegal..... Can no longer convene SEC meeting of Oyo State Labour Party — Stakeholders

The attention of the Stakeholders of the Oyo State Labour Party has been drawn to a purported invitation for a SEC meeting signed by one Mr Ojetunde,R.F  who claimed to be the State Secretary of the party.  

Mr Ojetunde who is purportedly working with the else while chairman of the party Mr. Tunji Sadiq Atayese. The party has no any standing EXCO or SEC as of today.

The Stakeholders wish to State categorically that Mr. Ojetunde is not known to us and such invitation of his should not be honored but should be Jettisoned.

The group warned that anyone who chooses to attend do so at his or her personal risk.

The Stakeholders in a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola said the party has no substantial EXCOs at any level in Oyo State today.

While we await the directives from the national Caretaker Committee of the Labour party from Abuja, we equally call on security agencies to disallow such an illegal gathering that may trouble and distablise the peace of the state and the country at large.

LABOUR PARTY!!!

FORWARD EVER!!!

BACKWARD NEVER!!!

The false information by Ojetunde,R.F reads: 

*REMINDER* 

INVITATION TO SEC MEETING 

  This is to invite all members of the State Executive Council to attend an emergency SEC meeting scheduled as follows.

Date: Saturday 12th of April,2025

Venue: State Party Secretariat,Molete, Ibadan 

Time:11am prompt 

LG Chairmen should extend the invitation to their secretaries to attend the meeting.

Purpose of the meeting includes 

1.Update the state executive Council on the development at the National level 

2.State of our party at the state level 

3.Congress and plan for 2027

It will be highly appreciated if all of us can be punctual and give this notice the widest publicity it deserves.

Thanks 

Ojetunde,R.F 

State Secretary

Stakeholders cautioned;

"The Stakeholders in a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola said the party has no substantial EXCOs at any level in Oyo State today."

"We equally call on security agencies to disallow such an illegal gathering that can trouble the peace of the state and the country at large ."

Osun NLC Orders All Local Government Workers To Withdraw Their Services From February 17th, 2025

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter has ordered all local government workers in Osun state to withdraw their services effectively from 12:00am February 17th, 2025.

According to the statement by the NLC the order is due to security concerns and to ensure safety of lives of workers across the Local Governments and Area Councils in Osun State.

SEE THE LETTER BELOW:

The Umuahia Stakeholder Meeting and the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee are lawful and legitimate Says NTC

Being a Text of Press Conference by the Leadership of the Labour Party National Transitional Committee (NTC) on September 11. 2024 

We are members of the leadership of the National Transition Committee of the Labour Party. The NTC of the Labour Party is a group fully paid-up members of the Labour Party and the Obedient Movement who have contributed immensely to the development of the Labour Party throughout the years. Many of us in the National Transition Committee are gubernatorial candidates of the party and some of us contested for different legislative offices in the national and state under the party. The NTC emerged after many all-inclusive stakeholder meetings after the end of the tenure of the Abure-led Exco and the crises which his corrupt and illegal administration imposed on the party. 

The NTC engaged and mobilized all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the party recovers itself from Abure illegality and corruption. That process bore fruits as INEC, as the regulator of political parties in Nigeria, informed Barrister Abure that his tenure had expired and have made diligent efforts not to recognize him as a Chairman of Labour Party at every meeting of the heads of political parties. In fact, INEC had on occasion asked him to vacate the chair meant for Chairman of Labour Party. These interventions by the NTC has culminated in the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party in Umuahia. 

We want to state unequivocally that the National Transitional Committee (NTC) facilitated by the Nigerian Labour Congress as the Trustee of the Labour Party fully accepts and commends the decision of the NEC of Labour Party its meeting on September 4, 2024. We fully support the setting up of a 29-man Caretaker Committee to prepare and conduct democratic congresses to elected party leadership at the Ward, LGA, State and National levels in line with Labour Party constitution and the Electoral Act, 2023. The NEC organized by the Governor of Abia State is the most welcome intervention needed to save the Labour Party at this time from the illegalities and corruptions of the Abure hostile capture. We believe that this intervention is in line with the expression of the democratic will of the millions of Nigerians who ae members of the Labour Party and its supporters, and who does not want the party to die at the hands of political contractors who have been procured to destroy the party.

As expected, Abure and his cohorts have gone to town to spread falsehood about the committee and the state of affairs in the Labour Party. As the group that actually midwifed the current positive result in the  Labour Party. We owe Nigerians the duty to present the facts as they are to prevent Abure from running away from his corruption and illegalities which INEC had recognized and confuse the people on the present efforts by the Governor of Abia State and NEC to get the party back to the path of legality and integrity as Nigeria’s favourite opposition party.

   

1. On Legitimacy Of The Umuahia Meeting:

We want to make it clear that The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING held in Umuahia had every form of legitimacy and transparency. It was called according to the constitution of the Labour Party which bestows on the NEC the powers to file any vacancy that exists before another convention. In fact the meeting has “an overdose of legitimacy and transparency” – the sort of which can only come from the “best leaders who live and breathe integrity and rule of law”.

Anyone who is familiar with the events that has occurred in the party will know that Abure and co had no legal capacity to remain and identify themselves as executives of Labour Party. The tenure was ended long ago and they continued to illegally hold on to power with a clear mandate from his sponsors to destroy Labour Party before the 2027 general elections. But we have ended that illegality and rascality. We have commenced a journey to retrieve and reposition the party through the Umuahia. 

We should not forget that our party was thrown into an ‘all-time low’ by the greed and desperation of one man and his few co-travellers, who want to be undemocratic leaders in a democracy – elected leaders without election and due process. Abure and his cohort violated court judgements and Regulatory Agreements signed by both the party and INEC. Unfortunately, they led our party to a dead-end where for three (3) months the Labour Party existed without INEC recognized leadership from June 9th 2024 till the September 4th 2024 Umuahia meeting.

The meeting at Umuahia is constitutionally valid based on the provisions of the Labour Party constitution. You all know that the valid Labour Party Constitution is a public document hosted on INEC Website. Article 14 Section 2B(xvi) gives NEC power: “To fill vacancies in the NWC as they may occur from time to time in between conventions”. The expiration of the tenure of Abure’s NWC on June 09, 2024 meant that they ceased to be members of NEC from that date. But there are other “statutory members of NEC” whose tenure were still valid namely – the Governor and Deputy Governor of Abia State; the President and General Secretary of NLC; the President and Secretary General of TUC; the Chairperson NLC Women Commission (see Articles 14 section 2A from (iii – xviii) and the BOT Chairman and Secretary (see Article 9 section 1C)

Our leaders were required by Constitution to call a meeting of the nine (9) remaining members of NEC to appoint replacements for the vacancies in NWC, but they chose to call the nine NEC members in addition to all elected leaders, candidates in the last general election, and all major stakeholders including even the expired NWC members. In fact, the owners of the party, from the founders to all its leaders from sub-national to national leaders akin to shareholders and Board of Directors in Company’s AGM. That is why I described the Umuahia meeting as “overdose of legitimacy and transparency”, as it met and exceeded constitutional requirements.

2. On The Formation of Caretaker Committee: 

It is laughable that Abure will raise objection to NEC/Stakeholders’  appointment of Interim Leadership for LP when himself is a double beneficiary of similar appointments in 2021 and 2023. In 2019, Abure was elected Deputy National Secretary of LP. The National Secretary resigned and Abure became Acting National Secretary. Unfortunately, the National Chairman Alhaji A. A. Salam died in 2021 and the then Deputy National Chairman North Mrs Maria Lebeke became Acting National Chairman. There was also a Deputy National Chairman South – Alhaji Lamidi Apapa. How Abure jumped from Ag. Secretary to National Chairman without election and without valid NEC appointment remains a study in ‘Gestapo criminality’.

So for the records, Abure was never elected National Secretary or National Chairman neither was he legitimately appointed Chairman as there was no constitutional pathway to migrate from Deputy Secretary to Chairman. This will be story for another day. However, his self-imposed emergence in 2021 was to complete the tenure of the late Alhaji Salam which expired in June 2023. Notwithstanding the Consent Judgement and INEC brokered Agreement, Abure deceived the new Party Leaders into appointing his NWC for another one year, which finally expired June 9, 2024.  

So, Abure’s NWC from inception to expiry; renewal and another expiry were “Caretaker Appointments” – first tenure illegitimate, second tenure deceitfully obtained. Whereas, the appointment of Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker NWC fulfils every aspect of constitutional due process and satisfies the utmost transparency. It is Abure who betrayed all due process and hijacked a political party without election.

3. On Gov. Otti’s Role In Labour Party Affairs:

Abure and his gang attacked the role that Governo Otti played in resolving the crisis that Abure imposed on the party. Anyone who has been following the happenings in Labour Party will not accuse Gov. Otti of not showing sufficient (if any at all) interest in LP affairs or of being against Abure. In fact, many will rather accuse the Governor of being too Pro-Abure. You will recall that while Abure was building his “castle-on-sand” by conducting his illegal Nnewi Convention in violation of Consent Judgement and INEC brokered Agreement; and without any Ward, LGA and State Congresses, the Governor was not aware of the illegalities due to his non-interference and distance from party affairs until INEC banned Abure and his NWC posing existential danger to LP and all her elected officials – the Governor inclusive. Even at that, it took INEC invitation and directives for the Governor to accept to fulfil his statutory duty as the ‘highest elected office holder’ in LP and surviving member of NEC with constitutionally binding duty. So, the Governor has shown great restraint and respect for due process in his intervention. It is Abure who has mistaken commitment to rule of law for condonement of his corrupt and reckless conducts.

4. On Concerns Over INEC Recognition:

The most embarrassing event for Labour Party in 2024 was the day Abure was thrown out of the quarterly meeting of Chairmen of all Political Parties with INEC Chairman in INEC Headquarters Abuja in June 2024. He had attended uninvited. He was also not invited to the August meeting and he dared not attend again. By his own admission in his famous speech delivered at the illegal NEC Meeting of September 9th, 2024 titled “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born”, Abure declared that the Access Code for uploading Polling Unit Agents for Edo and Ondo States were handed directly to the LP Governorship Candidates for those States. These are usually exclusively handed to National Chairmen of Parties but now given to our candidates because we don’t have INEC recognized Chairman. These and many similar situations led INEC to seek Otti’s intervention to resolve the lacuna in Labour Party leadership.

5. On The Composition Of The Caretaker Committee:

Members of the new Caretaker Committee are representatives of the various core stakeholder groups in Labour Party – from founding Labour Unions to elected officials and Governorship Candidates in the last election among others. The Chairman and Secretary are former Senators and Minister whose experience and character lend a breath of fresh air to a party with badly damaged reputation rooted in destructive reputations of its officers. Imperfections (if any) would be corrected in the most decent manner as expected in normal human compositions.

The new Chairman had been a card-carrying member of Labour Party since 2022 before the general elections of February 2023; and she had been contesting and winning state and national elections for decades before joining Labour Party.

6. On The Nullification Of The Umuahia Meeting’s Outcome By Abure:

This is when nullity calls validity null and void. It can only be the ranting of a drowning man. May be, he was enjoying the void created by his indiscretion as a paid Agent sponsored by opposition party to terminate LP.

Otherwise, he must know that solution to this self-imposed harm should rank the party’s interest over and above his personal interest; which by the way is not harmed in any way. For avoidance of doubt, Abure and his NWC are free to contest for any offices of their choice in the Congresses and Convention being organized by the Caretaker Committee.

7. On Abure’s Loss Of Leadership Control:

It is mischievous that Abure refers to Umuahia meeting as the gathering that removed him from office when the truth is that INEC had removed and derecognized him since June 9, 2024. What Umuahia meeting did was to ‘commence treatment’ on the terminal illness imposed on LP by Abure and co. His utterances and actions since the meeting is a revelation of the dangers we lived with without knowing it.

8. On Abure’s Fear Of Diminished Influence:

Those must be imaginary diminished influence because he has a choice – to toe the path of honour and quit while the ovation is still loud or walk down the valley of dishonour by holding onto an expired non-existent office and sacrifice whatever influence and dignity he acquire from the Office LP National Chairman.

Let me remind him that no politician in Nigeria, and I dare say Africa, drags popularity or influence with our Party’s National Leader H.E Mr. Peter Obi; and Abure may do well to note that PO was never as popular or influential as he is today while he was in office as Governor. He grew in popularity/influence by his dignified conduct out of office – quitting while the ovation was loudest, refusing to collect his exit pension largesse, charity works, dedication to public good among others lifted him. A valuable lesson for Abure and co is that influence is earned, not given or taken. And it is better to be a part of an elephant than the whole of an ant. More so, democratic Chairmen are elected not self-imposed; the chance to emerge elected Chairman of LP is not diminished but now more credible.

 

9. On Damage To Party Unity And Image:

The emergence of Nenadi Usman led leadership for LP has not created any parallel leadership for labour party. It is a child of necessity born to fill a vacuum wilfully created by expiry of Abure;s NWC without valid elections to replace them.

This new leadership is strictly for purpose of organising congresses and convention to elect new leaders for the party – an assignment Abure had opportunity to do but chose not to, until their tenure expired.

It must be stated that Labour Party is bigger than any individual or group and its interest supersedes those of any individual or group. Abure’s dream of factional leadership of LP is only imaginary, as he is standing with only those he had appointed ‘unopposed’ at national and sub-national levels. Unknown to him, even those are lobbying for accommodation in the new leadership/followership. He will soon look back and realize that he is standing alone.

Millions of Nigerians joined or became sympathetic to LP because of Peter Obi Profile and the good work Gov. Otti is doing at Abia State. None did because of Abure and his gang. If anything, a lot of Peter Obi admirers had left LP because of the negative influence of Abure. He will do well to bow out with honour and enjoy his constitutional entitlement of elevation to Board of Trustee (BOT) reserved for all former National Chairmen without dishonour and criminality. This privilege guaranteed by Article 9 of LP Constitution will be extinguished by forceful exit and probe.

We assure all members and supporters of the Labour Party that the party has been recovered from the illegitimacy and illegality under the hand of Abure. Now, that a caretaker committee of the party members appointed legally by the NEC of our party to prepare and organize a democratic convention based on democratic congresses to elect party officials, we are now in the good position to mobilize and prepare Nigerians to replace the failing APC government and install a people-oriented and truly progressive government that will secure Nigerians and end the ravaging spectre of poverty. It is obvious that Abure and his followers are working to truncate the progress of the labour party. They will fail because all actions taken at the Umuahia meeting convened by the Governor of Abia State and other remaining members of the BOT are in line with the constitution of the Labour Party, the Electoral Act and the directive of the electoral umpire, the INEC.

We advise Abure and his cohort to be wise and come back to the fold and show gratitude for the party that tolerated their illegally regime and have not decided to cure the party of such illegitimacy caused by their illegal hijack of power.

A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE AS A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.

2027: Senator Nnenadi Usman led caretaker committee, a good step for LP Rebirth in Nigeria — Oyo State Stakeholders

Nnenadi

The concerned Labour Party stakeholders in Oyo state has said Senator Nnenadi led caretaker committee is a right step in right direction for the party, going forward to 2027.

The stakeholders also called for caretaker committees for the party across the states of the federation.

The recent NEC/Expanded Stakeholders meeting conveyed by Governor Alex Otti of Abia state which also has in attendance Mr. Peter Obi, national assembly members, NLC, TUC Representatives and NTC leadership and other stakeholders successfully appointed a Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of the Labour Party in Nigeria and to organize a national convention in the near future.

The concerned stakeholders in Oyo state called it a welcome development.

According to a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola on behalf of the concerned stakeholders said the installation of a rescue caretaker committee for the Labour Party is long overdue.

"It is still not too late prepare the party and even make it more viable and strong ahead of 2027 general elections"

"Nigerians need alternative political platforms to APC and PDP and Labour party has filled this vacuum. It's our collective responsibility to propell the party upto the expectations of the masses"


"We extolled the decisive roles play by His Excellencies, Mr Peter Obi, Alex Otti and other stakeholders in rescuing the party from self-centered individuals holding the party into ransom" the statement said.


The newly formed LP National Caretaker Committee is chaired by Senator Nnenadi Usman while Senator Darlington Nwokeocha is serving as Secretary.


The extended stakeholders of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia state constituted a 29-member national caretaker committee to be headed by a former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, to run the affairs of the party for three months leading to its national conventions

Other members of the committee were drawn from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), including former governors and members of both State and National Assemblies.


It should be noted that in Oyo state, LP stakeholders had in a meeting in Oyo town passed a vote of no confidence on the now Dissolved state exco calling on the transition committee to oversee an installation of a caretaker exco for the party in the state.

INVITATION OF JOE AJAERO BY YHE NIGERIA POLICE : COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE EMERGENCY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC)

 NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS

MOTTO:LABOUR CREATES WEALTH

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS:                                LAGOS OFFICE:

Paschal Bafyau Labour House                                     29,Olajuwon Street,

Plot 820/821 Central Business District                                Off Ojuelegba Road,

Federal Capital Territory,                                         P.O.Box 620,Yaba,

P.O.Box 1071 PMB 566 Garki,Abuja.                                 Lagos-Nigeria.

Tel:08117077418,0811 707 7419

E-mail:gsec@nlcng.org Website:www.nlcng.org

COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE EMERGENCY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

 MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) HELD ON

 TUESDAY,THE 20TH OF AUGUST,2024*

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the recent developments surrounding the invitation of the President of the Congress,Comrade Joe Ajaero,by the Nigeria Police Force.This invitation is premised on a clearly unfounded and politically motivated investigation into alleged terrorism financing,cybercrime,subversio, criminal conspiracy, and treasonable felony.

The NEC notes with grave concern that rather than extending the apology demanded by the Congress for the earlier invasion of its national headquarters by security agencies, the Nigeria Police has chosen to embark on this spurious and fortuitous journey of intimidation, harassment, and witch-hunting. This is nothing but a travesty and a blatant attempt to stifle the voice of the working people and their leadership, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the International Labour Organization (ILO)Conventions 87 and 98.

In light of this, the NEC of the NLC resolves as follows:

We Shall Honour the Invitation: As a responsible labour centre committed to the rule of law and due process,the NLC shall honour the invitation extended to its President by the Nigeria Police but will demand for extension of time given the nature of the invitation. However, we wish to state unequivocally that this does not in any way legitimize the baseless allegations levelled against him.

Condemnation of the State's Actions: The NEC strongly condemns the continued harassment of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other Labour leaders. We view this as a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilize the labour movement, which has always stood as a bastion of democratic principles and the voice of the Nigerian masses.

Call for the State to Desist: The NEC warns the state to desist from its evil intentions and stop the ongoing witch-hunt against the leaders of the Congress forthwith. The Congress will not sit idy by while the rights and freedoms of its members and leaders are trampled upon with impunity by the State.

 

The NEC directs all affiliates and state councils to immediately commence the process of mobilizing their members across the nation. The Congress will not hesitate to take all necessary actions, including mass protests and industrial actions, to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.If anything happens to the President of the Congress or any other leader of the Congress in furtherance of these tendentious allegations by the State; NEC puts all its affiliates and state councils to proceed on indefinite nationwide strike action by 12:00 Midnight today.

The NEC calls on all civil society allies and the general populace to stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress in this critical moment. The fight against injustice and oppression is a collective one, and we urge all Nigerians to rise in defense of our shared democratic values.

The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the Nigerian people. We shall not be cowed or intimidated by these desperate attempts to silence us. We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved country.

Comrade Ado Sani Minjibir

Deputy President

#PHOTOSPEAKS: Labour Party Stakeholders, Obidatti Meeting In Oyo Town

It should be noted that the meeting was called on the instance of the transition committee of the party.

Breaking: Labour Party Stakeholders, Obidatti to meet Transition Committee in Oyo Town

Concerned Stakeholders of Labour Party and Obidatti are billed to meet  the transition committee of the NLC/TUC in Oyo Town, Oyo State.

According to a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola on behalf of the concerned Stakeholders, the meeting will hold at Plaza de Arun Hotel,  Alaka, Oyo Town. This contrary to the peddling and false narrative that the Party's Congress was slated for the venue.

This is the authentic information about the meeting while any other one differing should be jettisoned.

Full Statement :

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Concerned LP Stakeholders/Obidatti meeting with Transition Committee Holds in Oyo Town 

Date: Thursday 25th July, 2024.

Time: 9 am prompt.

Venue: 

Plaza de Arun Hotel,  Alaka, Oyo Town 

PLEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN CONTACT THIS NUMBER .             09079999460 ,     0708 446 3719

09157294858

09077439927

E—Signed

Comrade Dele Abiola

For the Concerned Stakeholders

Labour Rejects ₦62,000, ₦100,000 ‘Starvation Wage’: But We Cannot Declare Strike Now — NLC

NLC President Ajaero Breaks Silence on Minimum Wage Dispute, says the labour Union Cannot Declare Strike Now

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that it will not embark on a strike action tomorrow, Tuesday, to demand a new national minimum wage.

This decision was made known by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, at the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ajaero said: “We cannot declare strike now because the figures are with the President.”

He added that the tripartite committee’s proposals are awaiting the President’s decision, and the NLC’s National Executive Council will deliberate on the new figure once it is announced.

OPINION: FG can pay and Sustain N494k as minimum wage

 

*N494k is $325.* That amount does not fuel a Minister's convoy in a week. Attempting to pay N60k to Nigerian workers ($39) as monthly salary, is gross insensitivity when those that rigged elections are living in luxury with their families.

Children are paid £102 monthly (N188k) in the UK just for being children. If you were working but stopped, Ireland pay €232 weekly as job seeker's allowances. A month is €928 (N1.41m) for being jobless! That is the meaning of 'distribution of common wealth'. These are countries that do not have what Nigeria has in terms of natural resources. What they mostly have is good leadership and people-oriented policies.

Meanwhile, in these difficult times, apart from wardrobe allowances and other luxuries, our senators receive N1.2m monthly as newspaper allowances. Is this not demonic corruption?

You will never understand how wicked Nigerian rulers/RUINERS are, if you don't travel abroad to normal countries with normal leaders.That is why Nigerians in diaspora are angrier that our compatriots back home. They have seen both sides of the world and they know that Nigeria is directly opposite of what happens in normal societies. Sadly, those back home seem to have conditioned themselves to the uncommon hardship. They only complain online and sing "na so we see am o. Na wetin we go do na?" A people that fight their activists and attack their co-sufferers!

They throw pittance at Nigerians like dogs in the name of palliatives. They publicize their God-forsaken palliatives as if they are doing you some special favour from public wealth.

Oh, how I hate that word in Nigeria: PALLIATIVES!! 

Many of them made so much money during covid-19 when the world mourned and paid their people salaries while they stayed at home. From the gains of palliatives, your ruiners built mansions. Now, they are forcing you to sing "Nigeria, We Hail Thee".

They hugely inflate the cost of the so-called palliatives because they turn every pain to gain. They desperately struggle to get all they can and can all they get! 

The ones you gladly call 'Excellency'😤 

Your 'Leader... '

Your 'Chairmo...'

Your 'Honourable...'

Only a massive revolution will reset Nigeria when Nigerians are ready to take back their country.

*THE NLC STRIKE IS A VERY WELCOMED DEVELOPMENT AND WE HOPE THAT THEY SUSTAIN IT*.😤

@Comrade Frederick Odorige

Minimum Wage Struggle: A Symptom of Wider Problems in Nigeria’s Political System — Ultimate Equal

According to Channels TV, National Assembly Budget Office Revelation, each senator is entitled to a Wardrobe Allowance of ₦621,061.37 and a Recess Allowance of ₦240,424.55, totaling over ₦860,000 ($2,600) in additional monthly allowances.

This revelation has drawn widespread condemnation from many Nigerians who see it as an affront to the country’s economic struggles. The minimum wage in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been called upon to remain resolute in their demand for a living wage for workers.

The disparity between the minimum wage and the allowances received by legislators has highlighted the widening gap between the political elites and the majority of Nigerians who struggle to make ends meet.

The situation calls for a serious rethink of Nigeria’s political system and its relationship with the people. A more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities is crucial for the country’s economic and social development.

In response to the ongoing calls for a minimum wage increase, the Federal Government has stated that the current minimum wage of ₦494,000 is not sustainable, given the country’s economic challenges.

This claim, however, has been met with skepticism by me, who point to the lavish allowances received by public officials as evidence that the government is more concerned with enriching itself than supporting its citizens.

The Nigerian Government’s stance has further fueled the resentment and frustration among workers, who are already grappling with soaring inflation and the rising cost of living.

Nigerian economist, Professor Pat Utomi, speaking on the matter said, "The gap between the rich and the poor in our society is too wide, and the government’s refusal to increase the minimum wage is a reflection of their disregard for the plight of ordinary citizens."

In light of this, some have called for a boycott of tax payments until the government addresses the needs of the working class.

Historically, Nigeria has faced similar issues in the past. The Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, set up in 1994, was supposed to use a fraction of the country’s oil revenue to fund development projects. However, the fund was eventually revealed to have been mismanaged, with billions of naira going unaccounted for.

A similar situation occurred during the sale of national assets in the 1980s, where the proceeds were meant to be invested in infrastructure development but were allegedly diverted for other purposes.

The continued pattern of mismanagement of public resources in Nigeria has contributed to a deep mistrust of the government among the populace.

In light of these past events, it is crucial for the Nigerian government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the working class, and take steps to address the economic disparities that exist in the country.

The call for a fair minimum wage is not just about money; it is about dignity, justice, and a government that listens to and cares about the people it represents.

_Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor otherwise known as Ultimate Equal.

Ajaero And Osifo Trojans Of Now: Thanks To NLC and TUC For Raising The Progressive Bar

Let no one call them names, they have raised the Progressive Bar remarkably high, perhaps the highest since the 2012 Ojota Fuel Hike protestation. Yours sincerely was heavily involved in that siege against Jonathan's Administration (in fact I addressed the rally in Ojota several times through the near two weeks of that popular action), a siege that was supported in cash and kind by the present watchman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Against formidable attrition and debauchery, against the threat of jail and imprisonment, against a government that is squandamania oriented, and against a government sold to propaganda and gaslighting, they rose, they mobilized and shut down the nation with intent to call government to address the need for living wage, and they did so effectively, effectually and efficiently for 48 hours. I'm impressed and enamoured by the commitment of the NLC and the TUC to Take Back Our Country for good with the call for Living Wage as veritable weapon. Kudos.

Also impressive is the suspension of the Strike (Industrial Action) with a timeline. In 5 days time if the negotiation for Living Wage for Nigerian Workers remains a hard-call for government, the Civil Society, the Progressive left and the Nigerian Studentry must join forces with organized Labour to rescue the soul of our nation from the hoard of rampaging buccaneers feasting on our collective patrimony with reckless abandon.

In the one year of the present watch, the government has shown an uncanny predilection to wastage and wanderlust. See instances and questions that dominate the social media space and ask yourself why the government is slow about the need for a healthy minimum wage for the Nigerian worker whereas on all fronts it has shown an unbriddled penchant for profligacy. READ..

® N90B for Hajj.

-N4B Cars for BAT.

-N2B Cars for RAT.

-N58B SUVs for NASS.

-N37m Monthly for NASS

-N7B for Shettima's House.

-500m for each NASS member.

-N3TN budget padding by NASS.

But you say the NLC doesn't deserve at least N150,000 monthly salary? - Author Unknown.

Reading further one would wonder why the present watch appears impervious to logic, they appear completely focussed on mendacious inveigle and perfidy, with soulless propaganda as chief BUT I'm glad for Trojans Ajaero and Osifo, and I'm thankful to providence that hurricane TUC and NLC is here. READ...

©In as much as I believe the 1000% minimum wage increment that NLC is seeking is outrageous and untenable, the FG needs to answer some vital questions:

1. What are we doing with a bi-camera legislature? Why do we need the Senate and the House of Representatives?

2. What are we doing with a Presidential Yacht, and why do we need a Presidential fleet of 10 airplanes?

3. Why was there a 300% increment on the salaries of Federal Judges, and why did the FG need to buy new SUVs for Ministers, Senators and Members of HoR?

4. Where did the FG get over ₦80 billion to finance the needless foreign trips of the President and his Vice within a year?

5. Where did the FG get the ₦100 billion used to finance the Muslim pilgrimage in 2024?

Until the FG is able to provide answers to these pertinent questions, they have no right or moral justification not to increase the minimum wage by at least 200%. Credit: Femi Falana SAN.

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, we must therefore rise up and organize rather than agonize. We must close ranks and forge ahead with the NLC and TUC rather than break ranks. We must show to those who criticize and oppose our cause that the Hallmark of Patriotism is a critical mass, and proactive opposition. Once again I salute organized Labour for rising to be counted.

'E Soweto E Africa... Solidarity Forever!!

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.

Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT.