Politics
Obi’s 2023 running mate to contest for president in 2027
Obi’s 2023 running mate to contest for president in 2027
Vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023 election, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, yesterday unfolded his ambition to run for president in 2027 election.
He announced his interest yesterday during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Julius Abure-led faction of the LP in Abuja.
Baba-Ahmed promised to ensure the reconciliation of the LP factions.
The Abure faction, which enjoys the recognition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had distanced itself from Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
Last month Obi, declared interest to run for president again in 2027.
The former Anmabra State Governor is aligning with the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the LP.
That faction had its NEC meeting at the weekend where it reappointed Senator Usman as interim chairman and Sen. Darlington Nkwocha as interim national secretary.
The meeting was attended by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero.
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That faction dismissed the Abure-led group as irrelevant.
The Abure faction ruled out any deal with the coalition, describing members as “spent forces” who squandered the national resources when they were in power.
The faction said it would rebuild, reconcile and consolidate on the gains of the 2023 elections instead of forging an unnecessary collaboration with those who misused past opportunities.
On the contrary, the Nenadi Usman faction believes in working with coalition politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
It endorsed Obi’s romance with the ADC.
Unfolding his ambition, Baba-Ahmed, described himself as a committed member who could unite the party.
He said: “Labour Party is not one to desert. Its achievements and history in Nigerian politics are both unique and unprecedented.”
Baba-Ahmed described state capture as a more serious challenge than political disunity within parties.
Reflecting on 2023 poll, he said Nigerians who were promised governance, were being manoeuvred across the six regions.
Reiterating his resolve to forge reconciliation, Baba-Ahmed said: “Much has happened since 2023. I return as a loyal party member, a peacemaker, and someone ready to reconcile differing views.”
He, however, defended his participation in the coalition meeting, saying that the focus of the coalition is to strengthen national security.
He added: “Morally, if your neighbours invite you to discuss security, you must attend. However, if the discussions shift, you reserve the right to return to your original position.”
Baba-Ahmed clarified that although he had listened to coalition proposals, even as an LP chieftain, he refused to enter political arrangements blindly.
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He urged party members to avoid being led into uncomfortable political compromises.
Baba-Ahmed reaffirmed his commitment to reconciling all opposing views within the LP “as a responsible leader should.”
He emphasised that his efforts were not driven by personal ambition, selfish interests, or resentment toward any group.
Abure praised Baba-Ahmed for aligning with the factional leadership and declaring his 2027 interest.
He said: “NEC in session reiterates that Labour Party will not be part of any coalition for the 2027 general election.
“NEC believes the 2023 coalition was more impactful than any other. We will rebuild, reconcile, and consolidate the gains of that election.
“The LP is ideologically distinct, with programmes and philosophy that address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
“We therefore cannot align with politically spent forces who previously mismanaged the nation’s resources and opportunities.”
Abure condemned a parallel meeting held by the Nenadi-Usman faction, saying that it violated the LP Constitution.
He added: “NEC disassociates from the meeting’s outcomes, including the renaming of the illegal Umuahia Caretaker Committee as an Interim National Working Committee.
“Illegality cannot be legitimised by rebranding. The so-called Interim NWC remains unlawful.”
Abure explained that Article 14(4)(B) of the Constitution empowers only the National Secretary, with the Chairman’s approval, to convene meetings.
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He insisted that there is no leadership vacuum, adding that the party held its National Convention on March 27, last year in Nnewi, in consonance with the legal frameworks and party rules.
“The Supreme Court validated the convention through its verdict delivered on April 4,” Abure said.
He urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to respect the Supreme Court ruling.
Abure added: “Based on this, NEC urges the public to disregard the so-called meeting and its resolutions. NEC reaffirms confidence in the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee and calls for continued loyalty to party leadership.”
He said the NEC approved congresses at state, local government, and ward levels, in line with the party’s constitution.
The factional chairman urged members who are fraternising with other political parties to return to the LP.
He said the party’s doors are open to those who wish to return, provided they realise their actions.
He said: “The constitution of the party is very clear and the constitution of Nigeria is equally clear, that you cannot belong to two political parties at the same time.
“We are watching members romancing other parties and at the appropriate time, the party organs will decide what will happen.
“We are, therefore, using this opportunity to say that our doors are open. They should sheathe their swords and come back to the house.
“If they come back and apologise, we are ready to forgive them because we believe that there is no victor and there is no vanquished.”
Present at the meeting were: National Secretary Alhaji Farouk; National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh; National Youth Leader Ken Ahanotu and LP state chairmen from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Obi’s 2023 running mate to contest for president in 2027
Politics
Labour party dismisses APC’s mockery of Obi, says Nigerians still believe in Him
Labour party dismisses APC’s mockery of Obi, says Nigerians still believe in Him
The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed comments by the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mocking its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, over reports that he lost his polling unit during the just-concluded Anambra governorship election.
Reacting on Sunday, the Labour Party described the APC’s statement as “cheap propaganda” aimed at distracting Nigerians from the hardship and economic crisis under the current administration.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the ruling party’s “obsession” with Peter Obi shows how threatened it remains by the continued popularity of the former Anambra governor.
“The APC should focus on governance and stop celebrating imaginary victories. Peter Obi’s relevance does not begin and end with a polling unit. He represents a movement built on competence, character, and accountability — values the APC knows nothing about,” Ifoh said.
He argued that losing or winning a polling unit does not define political relevance, stressing that Obi remains one of the most trusted political figures in the country.
“Even in 2023, despite the state resources and intimidation deployed against the people, Peter Obi won in Lagos and several parts of Nigeria. That is the true reflection of where the people stand,” the LP spokesman added.
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According to him, the APC’s “mockery” of Obi was a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from the economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment currently facing Nigerians.
“What Nigerians want to hear from the APC is not insults or mockery, but solutions. The naira is collapsing, inflation is soaring, fuel prices are unbearable, and hunger is everywhere. Yet, their only priority is Peter Obi,” he said.
The Labour Party maintained that the Obidient Movement remains “alive and growing stronger,” describing it as a people-driven platform that goes beyond elections.
“The movement is rooted in citizens’ consciousness — not social media noise as they claim. The youths are awake, the people are engaged, and no amount of propaganda can change that,” Ifoh said.
He urged the ruling party to focus on fulfilling its campaign promises instead of attempting to undermine opposition voices.
“If the APC believes it is doing well, it should allow its performance to speak for it. Attacking Peter Obi will not fix the economy or end insecurity,” he added.
The Lagos APC had earlier described Obi’s loss in his polling unit as “a public humiliation,” claiming it exposed the weakness of the Obidient Movement.
Labour party dismisses APC’s mockery of Obi, says Nigerians still believe in Him
Politics
Soludo promises greater transformation for Anambra after securing second term with massive APGA win
Soludo promises greater transformation for Anambra after securing second term with massive APGA win
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been re-elected for a second term as the Governor of Anambra State, clinching a landslide victory across all 21 local government areas of the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Soludo winner of Saturday’s governorship poll early Sunday morning. The Returning Officer, Prof. Omoregie Edoba, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate polled 422,664 votes, far ahead of his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes.
Other contenders trailed far behind — Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) garnered 37,753 votes; George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) had 10,576 votes; John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 8,208 votes; while Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed 1,401 votes.
Speaking after his declaration, Soludo described his re-election as both a victory and a defining moment in the state’s political history.
“Four years ago, you gave us your mandate under difficult circumstances. Today, you have renewed that trust resoundingly,” the governor said. “Back then, only about 112,000 people voted; this time, nearly 22 percent of registered voters participated — the highest in our state’s history.”
Soludo, who ran alongside his deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, said the scale of the victory reflected Anambra people’s confidence in his administration.
“Only three governors have ever been re-elected in Anambra since 1999,” he noted. “In 2010, one was returned with 31 percent of the votes; another in 2017 with 56 percent. But today, you re-elected us with 73 percent. I am deeply humbled.”
The governor assured that his new mandate would usher in a more aggressive phase of development and reform.
“We applied for this job; you hired us four years ago,” Soludo said. “As we promised during the campaign, you have not seen anything yet. The next four years will consolidate and expand the transformation of our dear state.”
Soludo’s emphatic victory cements APGA’s dominance in Anambra politics and reinforces his position as one of the most influential figures in the South-East’s political landscape.
Politics
APC records surprise victory at Peter Obi’s polling unit in Anambra
APC records surprise victory at Peter Obi’s polling unit in Anambra
The All Progressives Congress (APC) pulled off a surprise win at the polling unit of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as early results from parts of Amatutu village in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, continue to emerge.
At Polling Unit 019, Umudimakasi, where Obi cast his vote, the APC secured 73 votes, defeating the Labour Party (LP), which polled 57 votes. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came third with 38 votes, while four other parties — YPP, ZLP, APM, ADC, and AAC — each recorded one vote.
The outcome came as a major upset, given Obi’s strong political influence in Agulu and the wider Anaocha area, where he has long commanded overwhelming support.
Though Saturday’s exercise was not a presidential election, the result at Obi’s polling unit attracted attention from political observers who had expected the Labour Party to dominate the area.
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Analysts also noted that the APC’s performance could be linked to the influence of its governorship running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, who hails from the same area.
Beyond Obi’s polling unit, early results from other parts of Amatutu also show the APC in clear lead.
At Polling Unit 015, located at Amatutu Village Hall, the APC polled 117 votes, far ahead of APGA’s 29 and Labour Party’s 10. Similarly, at Polling Unit 023, situated at the Model Primary Health Care Centre, the APC again topped with 25 votes, followed by APGA with 8 and Labour Party with 7. The YPP and ADC scored one vote each.
The APC’s consistent showing across polling units suggests the party may be gaining traction in parts of Anaocha LGA, traditionally seen as a stronghold of APGA and, more recently, the Labour Party.
Collation of results across the local government and the state is still ongoing as of press time.
APC records surprise victory at Peter Obi’s polling unit in Anambra
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