LP: Abure, Oti flex muscles as INEC studies Supreme Court judgment - Newstrends
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LP: Abure, Oti flex muscles as INEC studies Supreme Court judgment

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Abure, Otti and Obi

LP: Abure, Oti flex muscles as INEC studies Supreme Court judgment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not taken any decision concerning the leadership of the Labour Party after a recent Supreme Court judgement.

INEC sources confirmed that the commission was still reviewing the court’s judgment.

“No decision has been made yet on the Supreme Court judgment of the Labour Party,” an official said anonymously.

Another official stated that a decision would only be taken after INEC had studied the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

“The commission needs to obtain a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgement, study it carefully to determine what the court intended, before arriving at an informed decision,” the official said.

The Supreme Court on April 4, 2025 overturned an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal that had recognised Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

The apex court ruled that the appeal court lacked jurisdiction over internal party matters.

However, the Supreme Court’s decision was interpreted differently, with Abure claiming that the court did not remove him from office, while the LP Caretaker Committee, led by Nenadi Usman, claimed that Abure was fired.

At the same time, Lamidi Apapa, the party’s splinter leader, emerged to claim leadership.

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On April 9, an LP team led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti and the party’s presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, visited INEC headquarters in Abuja to clarify the leadership position.

During the visit, Otti handed a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s verdict to the electoral authority.

The visit intended to shed light on the party’s leadership and guarantee effective communication with INEC.

The group was met by INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun and other senior commission officials.

During the discussion, participants discussed ways to increase collaboration between INEC and the Labour Party, with a focus on safeguarding democratic values.

Olumekun underlined the commission’s commitment to impartiality, transparency, and the rule of law in carrying out its mandate.

Meanwhile, Abure claimed on Thursday that he is still the legitimate Labour Party National Chairman.

Abure issued a warning to Otti and Obi to heed the Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Abure said, “The position of the Labour Party after critically reviewing the Supreme Court judgment delivered on the 4th of April 2025 stated as follows: The Supreme Court, contrary to speculations, actually reaffirmed the National Convention of the Party held on the 27th of March 2024 at Nnewi.

“The reason for the non-justiciability of internal disputes of a political party is simple, and in the eyes of the law, a political party is a corporate entity with its constitution, rules, regulations, and guidelines which are binding on members who had joined freely have consented to be so bound (See Abegunde Vs. Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors. (2015) LPELR-24588 (SC).

“Consequently, we admonished Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, and Peter Obi, former presidential Candidate of our party in the 2023 General Election, who are the protagonists of the current division in the Party, to hear the Supreme Court loud and clear.”

He insisted that before the contentious National Convention, the Labour Party fulfilled all legal requirements in line with the LP Constitution, Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution.
According to Abure, those insisting their tenure has expired probably misinterpreted the judgment.

“The Supreme Court admonished party members to respect the Constitution of their party when it stated thus; Political Parties have put in place diverse kinds of internal dispute resolution mechanisms to handle any matter arising from disputes among members.

“Political parties and their members should, therefore, have faith in the internal dispute resolution mechanisms prescribed in their party constitution,” he stated.

LP: Abure, Oti flex muscles as INEC studies Supreme Court judgment

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City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

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City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

Prominent business leaders and influencers have donated buses worth millions of naira in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, signalling a growing grassroots mobilisation effort by his backers across Nigeria.

The donations were led by Cletus Uzoezie Oragwa, founder of Zenco Oil, alongside Chief Christian Okonkwo of C-Energy Oil and popular nightlife entrepreneur Obi Cubana. The buses were handed over to CityBoyMedia, an affiliate of the City Boy Movement, a youth-driven grassroots support platform actively engaging communities in the Southeast and beyond to strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

During the presentation ceremony, the donors emphasised that the buses would enhance the movement’s logistics, voter mobilisation, and outreach efforts in key regions, particularly rural communities. The initiative underscores the role of private sector support in bolstering campaign infrastructure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Obi Cubana, who has previously been prominent in civic engagement and social advocacy, signalled stronger political alignment with the Tinubu-led administration. In recent events, including hosting Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, in Abuja, Cubana reaffirmed his commitment to youth mobilisation and inclusive political participation through the City Boy Movement.

Also present at the event was social media personality Cubana Chief Priest, who expressed support for the administration and reiterated his opposition to former presidential candidate Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 elections.

The donations coincide with a wider surge in pro-Tinubu mobilisation activities nationwide, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and allied groups intensify efforts to consolidate support and ensure a strong grassroots presence. Political observers note that contributions from private citizens and business figures play a key role in sustaining momentum for the campaign.

This initiative highlights the intersection of political support, business influence, and grassroots mobilisation, reflecting strategic efforts to galvanise youth engagement and strengthen the administration’s electoral prospects.

City Boy Movement Receives Bus Donations from Zenco, Obi Cubana for Tinubu’s Campaign

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Jakande’s servant-leadership mindset remains relevant — Olurode

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Jakande’s servant-leadership mindset remains relevant — Olurode

 

LAGOS — A retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos, Lai Olurode, has described the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, as a symbol of ethical and people-centred leadership, saying his “servant mindset” continues to offer lessons for today’s political class.

Olurode spoke in Lagos on February 11, 2026, at a commemorative event marking the fifth anniversary of Jakande’s passing, where he delivered a tribute titled “Jakande’s Servant Mindsets Remain Evergreen.”

Reflecting on Jakande’s legacy, Olurode said the late governor’s decisions were largely driven by public good rather than personal gain.

“An analysis of Jakande’s actions… reveals that his major actions weren’t self-interest driven but motivated by a consuming concern for the enhancement of public goods,” he said.

He noted that Jakande’s tenure expanded access to education, healthcare, roads and employment, with benefits reaching ordinary citizens rather than a narrow political circle.

According to him, the former governor demystified governance by taking it to the grassroots and maintaining close contact with the masses.

Olurode also recalled the period following the 1983 military coup, when praise for Jakande’s achievements continued despite the prevailing political climate, citing an incident where a government official described the ousted governor as a “superstar.”

Highlighting Jakande’s personal style, he said the late leader avoided flamboyance, cut the cost of governance and remained accessible even after leaving office.

“Jakande shunned flamboyance and the wasteful paraphernalia which many Nigerian leaders artificially surround themselves with,” Olurode added.

He urged contemporary leaders to embrace ethical values, inclusivity and accountability, noting that Jakande’s legacy endures decades after his single term in office.

The event also featured reflections on Jakande’s contributions to Lagos State and tributes to his family, including his wife, Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola, and their children.

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El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai has raised alarm that he could be arrested at any time by Nigeria’s security agencies, claiming his outspoken criticism of the federal government and the alleged targeting of political opponents may make him a potential target. In an interview with BBC Hausa, El‑Rufai said that although he has not yet been detained, he believes his arrest is imminent, noting that several close associates have already been picked up by security forces. “About four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said, highlighting what he described as political pressure and intimidation of opposition voices.

El‑Rufai alleged that the APC-led federal government is using security and anti-corruption agencies to intimidate dissenting politicians, forcing some to either defect to the ruling party or face punitive action. His remarks come amid heightened political tension in the country and follow the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who faces charges including abuse of office — allegations he describes as politically motivated. Critics say selective targeting of opposition figures undermines democratic principles and escalates mistrust in governance, especially as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. El‑Rufai’s warning has intensified debates about the independence of law enforcement agencies and their role in political matters.

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Once a key figure in the APC, El‑Rufai has become a vocal critic of parts of the current administration. He claims that officials linked to his past administration have faced repeated investigations and detentions without formal charges, alleging these actions are politically motivated. In a confidential memo dated February 10, 2026, he stated that several former aides and associates had been detained and arraigned on what he called “phantom charges” designed to tarnish reputations and limit political competition.

While he insists he has committed no wrongdoing, El‑Rufai has called for due process and transparency, stressing that Nigeria’s political space must remain free from intimidation and unlawful targeting of opponents. His statement underscores growing concerns about political intimidation and the misuse of security agencies, highlighting the need for institutional independence and protection of opposition voices as the country navigates an increasingly charged political atmosphere.

El‑Rufai Warns He Could Be Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions

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