Peter Obi Defends Party Switch, Blasts Nigeria’s Political Class at NDC Convention
Peter Obi, presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended his movement across political parties while taking a swipe at critics who mocked his political realignments. In a lengthy statement shared on his verified X handle, Obi justified his decision by quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He said, “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.” Obi spoke on Saturday after attending the first convention of the NDC in Abuja, describing the gathering as evidence of Nigerians’ determination for political change and democratic renewal. The former Anambra State governor expressed appreciation to the NDC leadership, led by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for welcoming him and his supporters during what he described as a critical period in Nigeria’s political journey. He also acknowledged the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly former Senate President David Mark, for providing what he called a democratic platform after ongoing litigation reportedly forced him and others out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). According to Obi, the spirit of solidarity among opposition groups must remain central to efforts aimed at rebuilding Nigeria. The opposition figure accused members of the political class of abandoning democratic values and enabling what he described as the systematic destruction of democracy in the country. “Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice,” Obi stated. He further alleged that intimidation, coercion, manipulation and political gangsterism were increasingly being deployed against opposition voices, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was facing severe threats. Obi said Nigeria was drifting without direction and suffering under worsening economic and security conditions. “Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country,” he said. The former presidential candidate pointed to what he described as failures in governance, including weak accountability, corruption, poor regulatory standards and the erosion of the separation of powers. He also highlighted rising poverty, unemployment, inflation and insecurity, claiming that more than 140 million Nigerians currently live in multidimensional poverty. According to him, businesses are shutting down while farmers can no longer safely access their farmlands due to insecurity. Obi lamented the increasing cases of kidnapping, displacement and violent attacks across the country, saying hundreds of innocent Nigerians had lost their lives in recent weeks. He questioned who speaks for struggling Nigerians, including grieving parents, unemployed youths and families battling rising hardship. “Our present tragedy is not accidental,” Obi said. “It is the direct consequence of years of deliberate sabotage by a political class that prospers by dividing the people and weakening the nation.” He maintained that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources but continues to suffer because leadership has failed to prioritise the common good. Calling for national unity and reform, Obi urged Nigerians to reject despair and work towards rebuilding the country on the foundations of justice, equity, competence, productivity and accountability. “Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it,” he added.
Poster Boy Alabi, Police and criminal enterprise
By: UGO ONUOHA THE Nigerian Police exhibits the features of a criminal enterprise. Every such business or group shows characteristics which enables it to operate effectively often without being caught by the law. In broad terms every criminal enterprise has organisational structure, hierarchy, chain of command, and division of labour. It also engages in illicit activities, generates revenue, usually dark money, extortion, money laundering, and it exploits vulnerabilities of individuals, businesses and institutions. A typical underworld business maintains secrecy on what it does, uses deception to distract, and has mastery of code of silence. Firms or institutions that are into shady dealings do not hesitate to deploy violence and intimidation or the threats thereof to maintain control and discipline. They are also usually nimble so as to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, laws, and law enforcement strategies. Criminal enterprises are adept at bribing and corrupting everything in their way, infiltrating legitimate institutions either to launder money or to gather intelligence. As may be needed they apply influence peddling to shape policy or decision – making. Any country that has a sizable number of criminal enterprises operating within its borders is damned. And any society that is grappling with state agencies that have turned into rogue or criminal enterprises is doomed. Sadly, Nigeria falls into this later category. Almost all strata of enterprise Nigeria is a criminal set up. The executive arms of government at all levels are studies in perfidy and all that they should not be. Across the Nigerian state and at the centre, the legislatures do not exist in reality as co-equal branches of the government. They are tied to the apron strings of the governors in the states and the president in Abuja, respectively. The judiciary is no better. The Supreme Court is leprous. It’s the same spectacle down to the lowest rung of courts. Justices and judges and magistrates now publicly cavort with, and receive favours from politicians, armed robbers and con artists better known as 419ners. A former chief justice of Nigeria enjoyed lavish banquet dates with notorious politicians while he was the CJN. In fact he once publicly and unabashedly promoted and supported the fractionalisation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While still the CJN he gave thumbs up to five PDP governors that worked to sabotage their party to benefit his kinsman who was a candidate in the then upcoming 2023 presidential election. The current CJN, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun appears not to be overly concerned about how she’s perceived by the public. On October 21, 2024, she was loud in Abuja in the company of one of the loudest and controversial politician who is the federal capital territory minister, Nysome Wike, during the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of some housing units for judges in the territory. Until recently, that was not a common sight. Judges were virtually hermits in Nigeria in the past. In spite of themselves, judges studiously avoided such outings and sundry social gatherings even those organised by family members and acquaintances simply to avoid the perception of bias in their judicial functions. Not any more. Judges now frequently attend public social functions including owambe parties as a badge of honour, and status conferor. The other arm of the federal government, the national assembly (NASS) also reflects its leadership. It was in the public domain that the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is presently bersmiched with allegations of sexual harassment by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was dogged by allegations of fraud and potential trial in court before he was ‘head-hunted’ for the senate presidency. Until recently Nigerians didn’t know that the senate ethics committee is led by a man reported to be a fugitive from the law in the United States of America. So, Nigeria’s senate is headed by a man with so much baggage to contend with. The judiciary by a woman who is alleged to be on a no-visa list of a super power, and who has no qualms in being found in the midst of a loquacious and controversial politician. For the headship of the executive branch, the compelling narrative will be the one offered prior to the 2023 election by a dyed-in-the-wool critic of presidential candidate, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Reno Omokri. He wrote on twitter on March 28, 2021 that: “The 2023 packaging of Bola Tinubu, a man of: Questionable name, Questionable wealth, Questionable education status, Questionable age, Questionable state of origin, Questionable US record, Questionable parentage, Questionable sobriety, Questionable religion, and Questionable hygiene”. Reno (Rent) Omokri has since become a turncoat which is legitimate. Only a dead person does not change his or her mind. Reno’s may be like Saul’s on the Damascus highway. And Reno’s reward may soon be handsome if the rumour mills are to be believed. Mr. Reno Omokri could soon become His Excellency, Ambassador Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s ambassador or high commissioner to wherever… Don’t worry about the message we could be passing to our children about rewarding scoundrels, turncoats and scammers. And people who do not really believe in anything. If Nigeria is in a bad shape it’s because “mmiri siri n’isi gbaruo” or the stream was muddied from the fountainhead. As the Good Book says if the foundation be faulty, what can the righteous do? Every state institution has turned rogue. The armed forces whose generals steal monies voted for the foot soldiers, and the rank and file who are moles for Boko Haram militants and other terrorists. The judges who brazenly pervert justice and of whom the poet, Niyi Osundare, asked where he would keep their bribe money for them. Operatives of the directorate of state services (DSS) and other security agencies who pick up government critics on the whims but are incapable of locating and apprehending terrorists and bandits who regularly flaunt ransom monies on the social media. The Customs officers who allow goods into the country through our entry ports, and then go to the highways to mount roadblocks to seize the same wares
State of emergency, Fubara’s suspension undemocratic- Obi
The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has described the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers as undemocratic. In a reaction on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said that the action was against the rule of law, and capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy. Obi said that it was grossly unconstitutional to remove a serving governor of a state through a unilateral declaration of state of emergency. He said that the situation was capable of undoing the progress the country had made in the past 26 years of its democratic journey. “The situation in Rivers does not justify such an extreme measure, it is also a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution. “A state of emergency does not mean that an elected governor can be removed unilaterally. “The decision does not align with democratic norms and good governance. It appears to be a predetermined action serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers people and Nigeria. “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, setting a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers,” he said. Obi urged the National Assembly and all stakeholders not to allow the decision to stand in the interest of democracy and the wellbeing of Rivers people.
Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof
The Labour Party (LP) has denied receiving a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The party said it has no knowledge of such payments and has never accepted money from any external source. LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh stated in Abuja that the party was surprised by Atiku’s claim. He criticized the former vice president for making the allegation without providing evidence, calling it reckless and unfair to opposition parties. READ ALSO: FG gives 10 companies 25-year gas distribution licenses Atiku made the claim during a national conference on democracy in Abuja, accusing the APC of offering financial inducements to weaken the opposition. In response, LP insisted it operates on internally generated funds and remains committed to its principles despite challenges. The party urged Atiku to back his statement with proof, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and harm democratic opposition. LP also emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy and should not be undermined by baseless accusations.
Appeal Court Confirms Julius Abure as Labour Party Chairman
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. On Friday, a three-judge panel upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the Abure-led leadership. The court also validated the March 2024 convention held in Nnewi, which established Abure’s leadership. This ruling ensures the Labour Party under Abure retains its legal rights as a registered political organization. Further updates are expected. The court further declared that any action that is taken outside of its jurisdiction is void. Because Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the Federal High Court’s October 8, 2024, judgment without jurisdiction, it was declared ineffective, and the court struck it out. The Appeal Court upheld its earlier ruling on November 13, 2024, which said that “Abure remains National Chairman of the Labour Party,” by dismissing the lawsuit.
Labour Party Takes Legal Action Against Defected Lawmakers
A case that further puts the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary to test is underway as the Labour Party (LP) begins a legal process to challenge the defection of four of its lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The affected members of the House of Representatives are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo). The party expressed dissatisfaction with the lawmakers retaining their seats after joining the APC, describing their actions as contrary to democratic principles. The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, had announced the defections during a plenary session, which further fueled LP’s decision to act. ALSO READ: OLUYEDE TAKES OVER AS NEW CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LP plans to pursue court orders to declare the seats vacant, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution that govern defections. The party also announced the creation of a “Hall of Shame” to publicly identify defectors and other public officeholders accused of betraying the party’s mandate. This registry, aimed at discouraging similar actions, will reportedly be published widely to hold the defectors accountable and inform the public about such behaviors. The LP reiterated its stance against abandoning a party’s mandate without adhering to constitutional guidelines.
LP Launches Membership Online Registration App, Sets Congress Timetable
The Labour Party has unveiled an online membership registration app as part of its push to surpass 20 million members before the 2027 elections. The app, designed for both new sign-ups and membership revalidation, is part of the party’s plan to expand its base ahead of upcoming congresses. LP National Executive Council (NEC) held a virtual meeting on Saturday to discuss these plans, including the announcement of the congress timetable. Membership revalidation begins immediately, with a deadline set for January 31, 2025. The app is expected to update the ward registers in preparation for the ward congresses, scheduled to begin between February and March 2025. At the ward level, there will be 17 positions up for election, including chairman, vice chairman, and secretary. READ ALSO: TINUBU ARRIVES BRASIL FOR G20 SUMMIT Local Government congresses are set to take place between April and May 2025, with 21 positions contested, while state congresses will be held between June and July 2025, offering 29 positions. The NEC also approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, commending the directorate’s success under the leadership of Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei. Additionally, a new Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs has been established to manage the growing number of party members abroad. This new directorate will also explore ways for the diaspora to participate in local congresses. The meeting also led to the formation of several committees, including the Electoral Reform Committee, tasked with addressing electoral challenges faced by the party in the 2023 elections. The committee, led by Hon. Benedict Etanabene, will submit its report within eight weeks. The Political Education Committee, headed by Rt. Hon. Ativie Elizabeth, will focus on reorienting the public and preparing citizens for active political engagement. PLEASE READ: NEF APPOINTS DR. AMINU ANAS DIRECTOR,PLANNING AND PROGRAMMES
Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome
Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has decided not to contest the outcome of the September 21 election. Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, trailed behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who won with 291,667 votes, and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. Despite raising concerns over irregularities and electoral malpractices, Akpata announced that he would not take the matter to the tribunal. His decision focuses on pursuing broader electoral reforms rather than challenging the specific results of the contest. “My decision not to contest the election results at the tribunal is not an indication of compromise; rather, it is a strategic move aimed at redirecting our energies towards systemic changes that our democracy desperately needs,” he said. “This moment calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to electoral reform. We cannot continue to operate within a system that incentivises manipulation and disenfranchisement.”
PDP Leadership Faces Internal Conflicts as Factions Suspend Key Members
Some observers however, express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat outside the PDP. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is experiencing a leadership tussle as factions within its National Working Committee (NWC) clash. The camp led by the acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, recently suspended two key officials—National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade. This action follows the constitution of a committee headed by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate alleged violations by the suspended officers. In response, the other faction, associated with Ologunagba, retaliated by suspending Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu. This group accused Damagum and Anyanwu of undermining the party’s position in a court case involving former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. They cited breaches of the party’s constitution and referred the matter to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action. The situation has escalated with new acting officials appointed: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha as Acting National Legal Adviser. The factions appear determined to consolidate power, indicating deeper divisions within the PDP as both sides prepare for further investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Meanwhile, some observers express the view that these officials are merely puppets dancing to a drumbeat by an active offset interested party. Those who express this view cite the squabble in the Labour Party, the second runner-up in the 2023 presidential election as evidence that a vested interest is masterminding these conflicts in order to weaken the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Court Orders INEC To Recognize Julius Abure As Labour Party Chairman
The Federal High Court in Abuja has officially recognized Julius Abure as the legitimate Chairman of the Labour Party. This decision, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, reinforces the leadership structure established during the party’s national convention in Nnewi in March 2024. The court’s directive mandates that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accept Abure’s chairmanship, contradicting its previous assertion that his leadership lacked legal validity. INEC had contended that the Labour Party’s convention breached the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, claiming that proper legal protocols were not followed. The current decision of the court however, further conflicts the relationship between Mr. Abure and His Excellency Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 national election. Further developments are anticipated.