Politics

Obi, Otti responsible for LP crisis not APC, says Abure

Published

10 months ago

June 11, 2025

National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure

Obi, Otti responsible for LP crisis not APC, says Abure

The internal crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new turn as the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, has pointed fingers at its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, accusing them of orchestrating the current leadership tussle.

In a surprising twist, the LP absolved the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of any involvement in the crisis. This directly contradicts earlier assumptions that external political forces might be behind the instability within the party.

According to Abure, the party remained stable until Obi and Otti allegedly set up a caretaker committee in Abia State, despite the fact that the current leadership’s tenure was still active. He argued that their actions undermined the party’s existing structure and sowed the seeds of division.

Obi in an interview on national television on Monday, blamed the crisis in the LP on the Federal Government, whom he accused of using infiltrators to destabilise the party.

“This is what you get, always, right? This is what you always get in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies, and they manufacture it.

“The problem we have in Labour Party is a problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.

“I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.

“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.

“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families”, he said in a response to a direct question on the cause of the crisis in the LP.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Secretary of the Abure faction, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, downed what he said was Obi’s penchant for “misinformation” on the state of affairs in the LP by not telling the truth.

The camp challenged Obi to provide proof of how the federal government or the APC was responsible for the crisis.

It stated: “It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party, (APC), rather the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving suspension for anti-party activities.

READ ALSO:

“We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is in bed with the APC-led government.

“Nobody is infallible and it behooves on anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it. When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi failed in providing leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. It is therefore shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue to accuse the government of infiltrating the Labour Party and by so doing demarketing the party.”

Related News
The camp recalled the sacrifices the LP had to make in the past in order to accommodate Obi to contest the election in 2023, expressing surprise how he did not complain at the time that there were infiltrators in the party.

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate. The government was in existence when the party criss crossed all the nooks and crannies of the country including the insecurity prone areas campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.

“The government was in existence when the national chairman, Julius Abure travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi. The government was also in existence when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state leading to over six million votes won during the election”, it said.

The party also went down memory lane to recount the efforts made to challenge the outcome of the 2023 polls.

The statement added: “It was the same leadership that you claimed has been infiltrated that stood with Peter Obi throughout the tribunal and up to the Supreme Court. The same Abure appeared in court more than Obi refusing to be cowed when a splinter group wanted to hijack the process. The government was in existence when Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti were given sole tickets for 2023 even against the status book.

“For the record, there was no problem in the Labour Party until Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti went to Umuahia, Abia State to create an illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee that polarized the party. And may I ask, is it the ruling party that sent Obi and Otti to Umuahia to create a division in the party?

READ ALSO:

“They were also aware that the courts; from the lower court up to the Supreme Court clearly affirmed the leadership of the party, but Peter Obi and Alex Otti surreptitiously plotted to hijack the leadership of the party by instigating the division. Again, is it the government in power that created the division or forced them to march to INEC headquarters to exhibit their ignorance?

“For Peter Obi to be responding to the comment where the National Chairman referred to the governor as being dwarfy in knowledge, we want to say clearly that there is no action without a reaction. The National Chairman was only responding to a pejorative comment made by the governor wherein he referred to the National Chairman as ‘masturbating’.

“The governor neither retracted nor apologised for that reckless statement. He showed utter disrespect to the constituted authority of the party; to the man who went out of his way to help him achieve his ambition to be a governor.

“If the governor is not limited or dwarfy in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement which practically resolved the crisis in the party but these men were only blinded by their inordinate desire to wrestle the party from the present leadership.

“The party leadership has moved on since the Supreme Court judgement and we are working hard to reposition the party, to restore confidence in our members, and prevent further membership hemorrhage being witnessed across virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria today. We therefore think that it is improper for any member of the party, who means well for the party, to continue to make such unguided statements.

“Labour Party will never go into any alliance with any other party to betray our candidates. We had every opportunity in 2023 to do so, but we chose to stand by Peter Obi and even Alex Otti before and even after the general election, when their matters were in court, but we were very consistent because of the bigger picture. And now that they have failed in their plot to dislodge a lawful leadership, they have simply resorted to blackmail instead of showing gratitude.

“One takeaway from Obi’s interview is that he has acknowledged that Abure is the National Chairman of the Labour Party as he clearly stated. We are therefore calling on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members of the party to understand and digest the fact that Barrister Julius Abure leadership has come to stay and nothing can change.”

Obi, Otti responsible for LP crisis not APC, says Abure

Politics

Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

Published

14 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has resigned from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Onyejeocha announced her resignation in a statement shared via her social media platforms on Friday, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in his cabinet.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I announce my resignation as Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment. This decision comes with profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in his administration,” she stated.

The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, did not disclose her next political move or indicate whether her resignation is linked to the 2027 general elections, unlike some other cabinet members who have recently stepped down.

Despite her exit from office, Onyejeocha maintained that her commitment to national service remains unwavering, describing her resignation as the beginning of a new phase.

She commended the President’s leadership, noting that serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda was both an honour and a privilege.

“Your trust, support, and visionary leadership have been invaluable. Working under your Renewed Hope Agenda has been an honour and privilege. Thank you for believing in my capacity to contribute to nation-building,” she said.

The former minister also expressed appreciation to the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Labour and Employment for their cooperation and dedication during her tenure, highlighting efforts made in advancing workers’ rights, improving workplace safety, and expanding employment opportunities.

She further extended gratitude to her constituents for their continued support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her time in public office.

“Serving Nigeria has been the greatest privilege of my life. As one chapter closes, another opens. I remain committed to service, to progress, and to building the Nigeria we all deserve,” she added.

Onyejeocha Resigns as Minister of State for Labour

Politics

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

Published

16 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Tanimu Turaki and Nyesom Wike

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State chapter has formally rejected the Nyesom Wike‑aligned faction and pledged unwavering loyalty to the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC), reiterating that all actions outside the party’s constitution are invalid.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Media and Public Communications, Wándé T. Àjàyí, described the rival faction’s so‑called congress as a nullity, a charade, and a political exercise in futility. He emphasized that the PDP in Ondo is guided strictly by rules, due process, and constitutional order, warning that no legitimate congress can occur without valid ward and local government structures recognised by the lawful leadership.

The statement quoted Ondo PDP Chairman Victor Aisida, who affirmed that the state party remains united and constitutionally compliant, dismissing the parallel congress promoted by dissident elements. He stressed that members and aspirants should focus on grassroots mobilisation and party strengthening, rather than distractions created by individuals pursuing personal ambitions.

READ ALSO:

The State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held in Akure brought together Local Government Chairmen, State Executive Council members, and major stakeholders, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Ondo PDP under the recognised Turaki-led leadership. Among the key attendees were Eddy Olafeso, Member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and former National Vice Chairman (South West), former state chairman Clement Faboyede, and Tunde Akindehin.

Addressing the meeting, Olafeso reassured party members that the PDP is intact, united, and fully prepared for upcoming elections, urging active participation in the ongoing membership registration exercise to reinforce the party’s grassroots base. He also encouraged aspirants to continue consultations and mobilization efforts, highlighting that victory remains achievable under the PDP platform in Ondo State.

The Ondo PDP also commended the leadership of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, praising his guidance and consistency in providing direction for the party during a critical period of internal disputes.

The state party warned the public and its members to ignore distractions and noise orchestrated by individuals pursuing illegitimate political agendas, reiterating that the PDP is fully aligned with the national leadership and committed to upholding constitutional and lawful processes.

Political analysts note that Ondo PDP’s position reflects a growing trend among state chapters publicly supporting the Turaki-led NWC, underscoring the ongoing national leadership tussle within the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party continues to emphasise legality, due process, and democratic engagement as central to its operations.

Ondo PDP Rejects Wike Faction, Affirms Loyalty to Turaki‑Led NWC

Politics

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

Published

17 hours ago

April 3, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo Urges ADC to Thank INEC Over Derecognition of Rival Factions

The Festus Keyamo has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its recent decision to derecognise rival factions of the party’s leadership linked to David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.

In a statement posted on X, Keyamo said the leadership dispute in the ADC is primarily a legal issue, not a political one, stressing that the faction led by David Mark had created the problem themselves. “Law does not admit of sentiment. Decisions are based on facts, evidence, and interpretation of laws, rather than on sympathy, emotion or political considerations,” he said.

Keyamo dismissed arguments about maintaining the status quo ante bellum, highlighting that what matters is a pending court case brought by a duly elected Deputy National Chairman. He warned that until the legal matter is resolved, any actions by either faction could be declared invalid, potentially leaving the ADC without candidates for upcoming elections.

READ ALSO:

Rather than vilifying INEC, the minister suggested that the party view the derecognition as a timely warning, stating, “Instead of vilifying INEC, the ADC should thank them for this timely action, which forewarns the party of the danger ahead.” He also advised the ADC to resolve its internal crisis, seek accelerated court hearings, or explore alternative political options.

Keyamo rejected claims that the government or the All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrated the ADC’s crisis, emphasising that the leadership dispute arose from internal mismanagement and poor legal planning. He added that continuing with planned congresses and conventions in defiance of court orders would compound the party’s problems.

The minister’s statement follows INEC’s derecognition of the David Mark-led faction, which was guided by a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party’s legitimate leadership. INEC has also indicated that it will not recognise any faction until the court delivers a final judgment.

Keyamo’s remarks come amid rising tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of legal compliance in party leadership disputes and the implications for 2027 general elections preparations.