LP SEEKS REVIVAL THROUGH STAKEHOLDERS’ COLLABORATION, TO CONDUCT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE CONGRESS

"COMMUNIQUE' AT THE END OF A STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF THE LABOUR PARTY LP HELD ON MONDAY, 8TH APRIL 2024 AT THE AGNL EVENTS CENTRE, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, FCT.

PREAMBLE 

Owing to the current vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party LP, the NLC Political Commission consequent on its status in the Constitution of the Labour Party LP as a registered trustee of the Labour Party LP, a status that was further buttressed by a Federal High Court Consent Judgement delivered on March 20, 2018 by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, convened this stakeholders meeting to address the leadership void in the Labour Party LP and to discuss the repositioning of Labour Party LP to deliver it's mandate as the political vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and people.

RESOLUTIONS OF THE STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING 

1- The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING noted the vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party LP following the expiration of the supposed tenure of the immediate past National Working Committee, NWC of the Labour Party LP elected on 10th June 2019 in Akwanga Nasarawa State National Convention.

2- The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING following the unanimous adoption of a motion moved to accept the recommendation made in the address by the NLC Political Commission Chairman resolved that in order to reposition the Labour Party LP from a mere platform for contesting elections to a viable political vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and people, the following steps must be taken immediately:

i- Constitution of a Transition Committee under the leadership of the NLC Political Commission and working with all Stakeholders with a mandate to set up structures at National, States, Local Government Areas and Ward level for the conduct of an All-Inclusive- and expansive national convention of the Labour Party LP.

ii- The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING passed A VOTE OF NO-CONFIDENCE on the purported Labour Party LP National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State on 27th March 2024 and regarded it as INCONSEQUENTIAL the leadership that claimed to have emerged the illegal Nnewi Convention.

iii- That the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and all the relevant security organizations in Nigeria are hereby notified and should be officially written immediately to recognize the TRANSITION COMMITTEE AS THE INTERIM LEADERSHIP of the Labour Party LP pending the conduct of an All - Inclusive and Expansive National Convention of the Labour Party LP.

iv- That the Transition Committee once constituted should FULLY TAKE OVER THE SECRETARIAT of the Labour Party LP all over Nigeria.

v- That the Transition Committee shall immediately set up an assets recovery process of all the properties of the Labour Party LP. 

The Transition Committee shall also ensure that ALL THE CASES OF FRAUD, IMPERSONATION AND FORGERY OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS PENDING AGAINST A FEW DISCREDITED FORMER OFFICERS of the Labour Party LP are forensically audited and CULPRITS ARE DILIGENTLY PROSECUTED as demanded by the leader of the Labour Party LP - Mr. Peter Obi.

It is unfortunate that the actions of these few dishonourable characters have splashed mud on the white satin of the Labour Party LP.

vi- That the Transition Committee shall within three (3) months of its constitution ensure the conduct of an All - Inclusive And Expansive National Convention of the Labour Party LP starting from WARD CONGRESSES to LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONGRESSES, to STATE CONGRESSES & Culminating in an All-inclusive and Expansive National Convention in Abuja.

vii- Pursuant to the forgoing, the Transition Committee is mandated by the Stakeholders meeting to begin the process of REVALIDATION OF CURRENT MEMBERS of the Labour Party LP and the REGISTRATION of NEW MEMBERS through the issuance of new membership cards and receipt of membership dues for the purposes of the conduct of an All inclusive and expansive national convention of the Labour Party LP.

It is expected that this National Mobilization drive will yield in the first instance a total membership strength of Ten (10) million Labour Party LP card carrying members drawn from across all workplaces,marketplaces, professional groups, ethnic and religious organizations that Nigerian workers and people belongs to.

viii- The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING recognized, affirmed and commended the support of critical stakeholders in the Labour Party LP for their continued support and faith in the Labour Party LP.

We promise that your steadfast solidarity will surely count !

ix- Finally, we reiterate that the Labour Party LP is a party for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious, regional, social and economic orientation or status.

Signed:

1: Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku 

For: Chairman 

NLC Political Commission 

2: Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Mni

Former President 

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC 

3: Comrade S.O.Z Ejiofor 

Chairman 

Board of Trustees, BoT 

Labour Party LP 

4: Engr. Gambo Daniel Balarabe

National Coordinator, CSF

5: Dr. Moses Paul (Mo)

Coordinator,

Obedient Movement 

6: Chief Yohana Yilpwan Margif

Labour Party LP Plateau State Governorship Candidate 2023

7: Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye

Coordinator, LPPMC

8: Hon. Jonathan Awake

Kaduna State Labour Party LP Governorship Candidate 2023

9: Barr. Ihekwoaba Paul

For: Disabled Persons, PWD in Labour Party LP"

Labour Party LP 

Forward Ever !

Backward Never !

Police Arrests LP National Chairman Julius Abure in Edo State

 

Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure has been arrested in Beni City, Edo State capital on Wednesday.

According to the reports, the reasons for his arrest was not made public but can not be divorced from the LP Crisis.

Recently, some members of the national working committee loyer to Ahaji Basiru Lamidi Apapa Faction were stoned and massively beaten in Edo State.

More details later....

Labour Party Crisis: Apapa Faction Stoned, flogged and Beaten to Stupors in Beni City (videos)

In the videos, Abure expelled National Youth Leader Mr. Anslem and one other receiving the maximum beating, Flogging and stoning in Beni City, Edo State capital.

They were beatten to stupors on an account of atrocities committed against a party that bestowed her trust on them. 

A profile picture of Lamidi Apapa

Labour Party entered a crisis mode immediately after the general elections where the party was awarded third position after All Progressive Congress APC and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

Nothing was near free, fair and credible in Nigeria's 2023 general elections.

Meanwhile, attempts to reach Mr. Anslem Eragbe proved abortive as his phone number was perpetually

 not reachable.

 

VIDEO: Why Peter Obi Heading to Supreme Court ?

 

HE Peter Obi

Apapa in charge of LP As Supreme Court Upheld Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph (Ikenga) As the Imo State Gubernatorial Candidate for the 11th November, 2023 Gubernatorial Election

Details of the Certified True Copy, CTC of the Supreme Court Judgement shall be made public within 48 hours.

Highly of the Labour Party LP Struggles.

This victory follows from the 16th April, 2023 primaries conducted by Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa led National Working Committee, NWC for the off-season Gubernatorial Election in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States respectively.

1: That the gubernatorial primary for Imo state was conducted by the following Electoral Committee members of the Apapa led National Working Committee, NWC:

(a): Comrade Eragbe Anslem, the National Youth Leader, as the Returning Officer,

(b): Alhaji Alkali Ibrahim Mohammed, the National Vice Chairman North East, as the Chairman,

(c): Barr Monday Mawah, the Acting Deputy National Secretary, as the Secretary,

(d): Comrade Oko Eze Splendour, the Acting National Vice Chairman, as member of the Electoral Committee for the Imo governorship primaries of 16th April, 2023.

2: That the Supreme Court in it's Judgement of Monday 11th September, 2023 has finally put to rest the issues of the authentic candidates for the Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States 11th November, 2023 off-season gubernatorial election and the matter of who is the authentic National Chairmanship of the Labour Party LP; with Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa As the Acting National Chairman of Labour Party LP in Nigeria.

3: That Nigerians would recall that Barr Julius Abure was Restrained by the FCT High Court Order of 5th April, 2023 as Acting National Chairman along with three (3) other National Working Committee NWC members of the Labour Party LP in Nigeria including:

(b): Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Acting National Secretary,

(c): Ojukwu Clement, National Organizing Secretary, and

(c): Mrs Oluchi Okpara, National Treasurer 

From parading themselves as National Chairman and Executives of the Labour Party LP in Nigeria and that matter is still subsisting in the court of Appeal in Abuja, FCT Nigeria.

4: That this matter of the Restraining Order on Barr Julius Abure and others bother on the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Investigation with Forensic Audit Report that indicted Barr Julius Abure and others for:

(a): Perjury

(b): Forgery

(c): Impersonation

(d): Criminal Conspiracy with financial malfeasance to the sum of over four hundred million naira (N400,000,000.00) 

5: That this matter is in furtherance of the illegal and unlawful substitution of the name of Comrade Oko Eze Splendour, the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party LP in Ebonyi State in the INEC PORTAL using Forged FCT High Court Affidavits, Fake TSA payment receipts, forged withdrawal letters using forged and manipulated signatures and so many other infractions committed by Barr Julius Abure and others.

6: That the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC shall be required to comply with this Supreme Court Judgement without much Ado and without any further delays, to avert the scenario of the Ebonyi case in 2024 where INEC indulged in illegality and deliberately refused to upload the name of Comrade Oko Eze in the INEC PORTAL for the 2023 Gubernatorial Election.

That this vexatious action by INEC was to the extent that INEC defied the Supreme Court Judgement that affirmed Comrade Oko Eze Splendour as the Gubernatorial Candidate of the Labour Party LP for the Ebonyi State Gubernatorial Election 2023 by deliberately refusing to upload his name in the INEC portal.

7: That by this Supreme Court Judgement affirming Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph (Ikenga) as the Authentic Labour Party LP candidate in Imo state, INEC shall be required to give the PORTAL CODES to Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa to upload the names of the Gubernatorial Candidates for Bayelsa, Imo And Kogi States respectively

8: That this Supreme Court Judgement shall give immediate force for the immediate removal from the INEC website the names of:

(a): Barr Julius Abure, 

(b): Umar Farouk Ibrahim, 

(c): Ojukwu Clement and 

(d): Mrs Oluchi Opara and to upload the names of:

(a): Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa, as Acting National Chairman 

(b): Alhaji Saleh Lawan as Acting National Secretary and 

(c): other members of the Alhaji Lamidi Basiru Apapa led National Working Committee, NWC 

Stay Tuned For The Full Details

For

Labour Party LP National Working Committee, NWC 

Comrade Arabambi Abayomi

Acting National Publicity Secretary

By Eragbe Anslem

“INEC is bound by law to upload the names of those that we conducted Primary For" – Apapa says as he inaugurates new LP Excos in Lagos State

Says party will not condone any act of illegality

The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party ALHAJI LAMIDI APAPA has said the independent National Electoral Commissioner INEC is duty bound under the law to accept and upload those the party has conducted Primaries for in different states which includes Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi among others.

He also affirmed that the party will no longer condom illegality.

Apapa made the statement in Lagos State on Saturday while inaugurating the new Excos of the party in the state.

“You are on the right side. If the other camp fails to join you, the train will soon move. 

Tell them to come and join us because we need more people,” he said.

The Lamidi Apapa-led factional national working committee (NWC) of the Labour Party, on Saturday, officially inaugurated the party’s 24-man caretaker state working committee (SWC) for Lagos.

The crisis rocking the Labour Party has worsened in Lagos State with the emergence of a factional chairman, Olumide Adesoyin, recently.

Apapa-led faction disowned the Dayo Ekong-led executive committee, which led the party into the 2023 general elections, constituted by Julius Abure-led NWC.

Inaugurating Adesoyin-led LP state working committee in Lagos, Mr Apapa, acting national chairman, in company of other NWC members, said that the LP remained a creation of the law and no one was above the law.

According to him, there is no going back in his faction’s readiness to steer the affairs of the party.

“Labour Party will not tolerate any act of indiscipline. Labour Party will not accept any act of illegality.

“Labour Party believes that nobody is above the law and this is why the level we are today is because of our belief in the court process.

“You are on the right side. If the other camp fails to join you, the train will soon move. Tell them to come and join us because we need more people,” he said.

According to him, the party’s grievances with former national chairman, Mr Abure, started when he allegedly presented himself as being above the law.

According to him, the courts have restrained Mr Abure from parading himself as national chairman.

“Nobody is above the law. Labour Party is a creation of law and if the party is created by law, anyone who violates the law is not a member of the party.

“There is nothing for us to fear. There is no going back, Abure has been restrained by courts. We are not joking,” he said.

The acting chairman said that rather than continuing in blackmailing, the Abure-led group should dissipate energy in legality.

Mr Apapa explained that he was not begging to become the national chairman of LP, but destiny, nature and right had made him the acting national chairman morally and legally.

Mr Apapa said that his faction had been winning all court cases at the Federal High Court and Appeal Court, “they still want to continue but whether they like it or not the truth shall prevail.”

On the forthcoming off-cycle elections, Mr Apapa assured the party faithful that INEC would soon accept the list of the LP candidates produced through the primaries conducted by the Apapa led Labour Party on 16th April, 2023.

“INEC is bound to accept our list because the commission is a creation of law and cannot be above the law. 

Whether INEC likes it or not, it must recognise our list of candidates.

“INEC is bound by law to upload the names of those that we conducted primary for. It is an issue of law,” Mr Apapa said.

He, however, said that the party was not opposed to reconciliation.

In his inaugural address, Mr Adesoyin said that his team had been given the power and authority to steer the affairs of the party in the state.

Earlier in his welcome party, Abass Aroyeun, the national vice chairman (South West) said that Mr Apapa had given the party a new lease of life and ability to breathe.

Mr Aroyeun urged the party faithful nationwide to remain pillar of support to Apapa-led NWC for the party to succeed.

The inaugurated SWC members include Messrs Omotayo Anjorin (deputy chairman), Olanrewaju Ibrahim (deputy chairman), Kayode Yusuf (deputy chairman), Felix Odusanya (deputy chairman), Peter Olusegun (deputy chairman), Nnaemeka Anajemba (secretary) and Richard Oliseyenum (assistant secretary).

Others include Azubike Peters (treasurer), Akinrele Abioye (financial secretary), Kunle Okunola (organising secretary), Ademola Hassan (auditor), Abass Ibrahim (legal adviser), Dupe Awe (woman leader), Elliot Ebije (youth leader), Samad Okufuwa (publicity secretary), among others.

The event was also attended by LGA and ward chairmen of Labour Party and other stakeholders loyal to Mr Apapa, including Moshood Salvador.

Some acting NWC members in attendance were Abayomi Arabambi (national publicity secretary), Saleh Lawan (secretary), Favour Reuben (national organizing secretary), and Mohammed Alkali (national vice chairman North East), among other leaders.

Culles from Gazette

IAM NOT DESPERATE TO BE PRESIDENT, I WANT NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY TO SURVIVE FOR BETTER — PETER OBI

The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party Mr PETER OBI who the world believe won the Last Presidential election, which INEC decided to go against the Electoral laws of chosen a President by constitutional rules,filled with a must attained height and winnings, when they said on National Telly "Go to Court" as they packaged below expectations from the Votes casted and Mutilation of BVAS, which Peter Obi obeyed and went to Court even with Television Sets that will be used to show evidences of manipulation , currently INEC seems to be scared about him staying in COURT just as they wished originally without considering that Peter Obi is a Son of Judiciary process.

While meeting with Press Doyens in Lagos yesterday, He provided answers to some Hostile feelings and lay many Fears to rest.

 When asked how he will feel if the Courts rules against him on the ongoing Election trial..

He said "i am not the one in Court as Mr Peter Obi for Peter Obi's interest, I am simply representing vast majority of Nigerians including the Families of the Judges and members of all Parties who want a better redeemed Nation, those who want to see a working NIGERIA that will come with people who actually want to see progressive Nigeria ,who believe that Nigeria has what it takes to be Better than many Nations if well handled ,those who believe that Nigerians deserve undiluted joy from the Government they elected".

Any judge should have that in mind ,to me it's not a do or die affair.

"The task is that of a driver who must work hard to take Passengers out of Hostile areas,take them through tough and rough roads to destination in one good piece no matter the odds, such driver should know that it's a big responsibility,so whatever the driver is doing He must remember that He has so many lives and interest to protect".

"Nigeria is in Court, the Future of Our Children including that of Grand Children of both Judges, Politicians, Securities are all in Court, I am just representing them ,We are in Court not to Drag for anything, we are in Court for the Court to look at what the masses demanded by casting Votes and casting it for who they believe will give them back hope and oiled Future, it's not about Peter but about the nation and our tomorrow".

He was asked why he still move about the Nation freely despite the fears of insecurities of the Nation and Fear of Harm coming to him ?

He said his "job is to restore sanity in the Nation, build back Hope for the common masses ,that if the common masses doesn't see him amongst them ,it will send a bad message , he went further to explain , if he recovers his Mandate that it won't take him away from the Masses,that he is working for them and he is accountable to them and will never create a barrier between him and the masses".

He recollected, During campaign He visited Many extreme hostile places where no politicians have ever Visited including some parts of Borno state, BENUE State, and places even Governor's of such states refused to go because of insecurities,He said We travel even against security intelligent Advise,I Will tell my Security that if they can't go ,let me go and if I die among my people out there ,then it's not a bad price for me to pay .

"I know there are insecurity in many places, but as long as there are Nigerian living out there,no one can be left behind ".

Asked about the SUBSIDY REMOVAL and the effect on the nation..

He smiled " I said that SUBSIDY is a Scam that I will remove, the first thing would've being to identify the Scam, remove the scam , restore a seamless PETROLEUM production and distribution, and not to cause the Nation lots of undeserved pains which can be avoided".

"We know that Subsidy is a Scam ,what should be removed is the Scam and causes of Subsidies".

Mr Peter Obi as we noticed still have stamina that dwarfed that of all his mates ,as he travels far and wide weekly on speaking engagement, social events and reaching out to the society,a situation that can't be seen with any Politician who lost Mandate and should be battling through thick and thin to win or recover such Mandate or get compensated by any person in power, to many Politicians it's not about the masses, it's Business extension.

Mr Peter Obi simply move around the Nation feeling freer than those in power with all National provided Security details for the people in power.

Peter simply can be said to be Boil between the Legs that gives you sleepless night on how to deal with it or allow it to be , whichever way ,it Means moral and physical torture.

The man is not one who believe when an elder takes what belong to a child and raise his hand up ,the child will wait,when the hand grew weary he bring it down for the child to take back what belong to him ,in peters case ,you take his belonging,he will be pissing on your legs and trousers, it's either you give him back his belongings and take back your sanity or He continues enjoying maximizing your pains.

Mazi Odera

Tinubu, APC looking for a rerun without Peter Obi : Raw courtroom closing addresses

*Peter Obi/LP vs Tinubu/Shetima/APC/INEC* 

The judges are now seated.

It’s time for the business of the day.

The Clerk has now called the case.

Peter Obi

Peter Obi is now up with smiles all over: Respectfully my lord, I am Mr. Peter Obi for the petitioners

APC: With utmost humility my lord, I am Saturday Monsignia for the 2nd Respondent.

Lead Counsel:

Labour Party and Peter Obi - SAN Livy Uzoukwu

INEC - SAN AB Mahmoud

Tinubu and Shettima - SAN Olanipekun 

APC - SAN L.O Fagbemi

INEC’s lead counsel SAN AB Mahmoud is now up and he’s suggesting the petitioners start first.

SAN Livy: They filed before we did, so they have to go first.

Justice Tsammani: AB Mahmoud please let’s start. 

SAN AB Mahmoud: Yes my lord, my colleague will take it up from here.

Another INEC lawyer stands up to continue.

INEC: My lord, the 1st respondent written address was filed 14th July 2023 and we also filed the reply of point of law on 28 July 2023 

Before I go on I want to make a slight correction my lord. On the 3rd line of the reply of point of law there’s “have” and it should be “do not have”

And after that I wish to adopt this my lord.

There’s now currently an adjustment on the 3rd line and the judges are looking through.

Tinubu and Shettima’s lawyers are now up.

SAN Olanipekun: My lord, my colleague will lead this proceeding for the 2nd respondent.

2nd respondent: We filed a response on 23rd July 2023. Upon receipt of the reply of the petitioners then it became pertinent to file our reply of point of law which we did on the 27 July 2023 and we seek that my lordships strike out these petitioners request.

Thank you my lord.

SAN Fagbemi is now up for APC

Fagbemi: We filed a reply on 23rd July 2023 and then we filed of point of law on receipt of the petitioners address and the point of law was filed on 27th of July and served on 28th of July.

We now seek to adopt this and reply on these due processes and we urge my able lords to reject and discountenance those petitioners documents. Very much obliged my lords.

SAN Livy is now up on his feet.

SAN Livy: My lord, my learned colleague SAN Kalu will lead this case today.

SAN Kalu is now up on his feet

SAN Kalu: My lord the reply was filed against the 1st respondents on the 14th July and with humility I adopt these reply.

Justice Tsammani: Mention all your replies and adopt. You’re mixing the whole thing.

Let’s finish with the respondents objection and come to yours.

SAN Kalu: I am responding to the 1st respondent my lord

Justice Tsammani: Respond to all at once 

SAN Kalu: My lord it’s division of Labour, my learned colleague here is to handle the 2nd and 3rd respondent.

Justice Tsammani: No, we can’t allow that, you have to do all at once.

Justice Ugo: I think your economics teacher was too thorough with division of Labour

SAN Kalu: 😅😅😅 My lord, we just want to do it how it would be easier but no problem.

Justice Tsammani: It’s even a coincidence, you’re from Abia State and my Economics Teacher in Maiduguri was also from Abia 

SAN Kalu: Then my lord, you should be paying me tithes

SAN Livy: My lord, Anichebe SAN would continue with the objections.

SAN Anichebe: My lord, the first objection was filed on 23rd of July 2023.

Which is the objection filed against documents submitted by 1st respondents.

My lord, the objection filed by the petitioner against the 2nd and 3rd respondents was filed on 20th of July 2023.

My lord, we respectfully adopt the arguments canvassed in 2 processes in opposition of the documents rendered by all the respondents and we seek that you sustain our objections here to.

Justice Tsammani: Please note that we would use 10 minutes each for adoptions and then 20 minutes each for oral submission of your final address.

SAN AB Mahmoud: Thank you my lord. My lord on 14th July 2023 we filed our final address and then we filed the reply on 20th of July 2023 and these are the processes filed by the 1st respondent and we seek your humble permission to take our prayers and dismiss this petition as it lacks merit and should be dismissed by the court.

I will seek your indulgence to clarify.

On page 15 of our written address we listed issues and the first issue listed B has to do with the petioners complaints of noncompliance and other regulations and guidelines by the 1st respondent.

The technology introduced by the 1st respondent was misunderstood and misconstrued by the petitioners and the purpose was not well understood.

What was introduced cited by the petitioners is on the BVAs which was solely used for authentication of voters and upload of results from the PU to the IREV portal.

“Hmmmm… INEC is capping”

The evidence before the court shows clearly that the 1st respondent went to great lenght to ensure that the technology functioned as designed.

The only point of disagreement are 2:

1. The petitioners have constructed in their mind that the electronic method be used to collate result and No evidence was presented to support this by the petitioners and the 1st respondent through its witness has certified that there is nothing like electronic collation but manual collation which was carried out impeccably.

There has been no electronic collation in any election in this country because it does not exist.

2. The petitioners claim this glitch was humanly done to give room for manipulation of election result and no evidence was given by them to prove it.

We have brought evidence to show that this glitch is not unusual to technology especially new technologies.

‘Ahhhh INEC

STOP THE CAPPING 😅’

INEC: My lord, the allegation of the so called 88,000 blurred results should be discarded because they do not in any way suggest that the original copies of the result sheets are also blurred. They have still not provided any form EC8A original copies from their agents to prove the 88,000 blurred results.

My lord, the petitioners brought up the 88,000 blurred issue just for dramatisation without evidence.

“The whole courtroom shouts ahhh”

The glitch which was for 4 hours 15 minutes did not affect the presidential election and there is no eveidence of any manipulation of the result and I seek my lord to discountenance all statement of noncompliance from the petitioners.

“NEPA”

😅

Justice Ugo: This is a glitch too

AB Mahmoud: Yes, even the courtroom has glitches 

🙄

INEC: Now on the 25% of FCT is in relation to the interpretation of the constitution section 134 that candidates must score 25% on two-thirds of the state and the FCT, my lords, do not listen to approach that are not constitutional. FCT in accordance of 299 is to be taken as a State and nothing more, nothing less and not elevated to a status it does not hold or ascribe superiority as that has never been the intention of the constitution.

Justice Tsammani: Your time is up

AB Mahmoud: My time for my submission is up

“Everyone is laughing😅” 

Justice Tsammani: Don’t worry you still have more time on earth.

AB Mahmoud: I plead that this petition be dismissed. Thank you.

Ahhhhhh INEC

“Stop the capping😅”

Tinubu and Shettima’s lawyer SAN Olanipekun is now up and starts with a banger:

O: My lord, let us take it that the petitioners have no case in this court, yes because they don’t have a case here.

“The whole courtroom is looking like who be this one🥲”

O: Look at exhibit X1, pages 22 and 23 of the decision at the Supreme Court states that this exhibit X1 settles the matter and it’s the case of APC Vs Labour Party and others and it’s very fresh from the oven.

Let me go to hype being made on FINE and let me draw your attention to section 137 1D of the constitution and we have made submissions and it says “he is under a statement of debt”

It’s simple grammer, he didn’t say was

It says he is under

It’s present tense, present continuous”

“LMAO”

SAN Queen Premier 😅🤣😅

English 

My lord, the law says 10 years after any offence is gone, so even though there is anything, the law has cleared it.

This is the constitution and in secondary school we were thought past tense and past participle and present tense.

Lmao SAN Grammarian

SAN Oxford Dictionary

Best in English

My lord on 25% on FCT

Let me say this oh bended knees (but he is still standing oh)

My lord on bended knees (Baba you’re still standing oh🤣😭🤣)

My lord FCT is like every other state. It is a state.

My lord, again the 1st petitioner has no locus standi because the constitution has taken him out of participating in any election rerun even if there’s going to be because the candidate must be the candidate who has the highest of vote and 1 among of the remaining candidates which is PDP which has the majority of votes in the states cast in the elections 

He is not, so he cannot even be in any rerun

Lastly, to show that he is not a member of Labour Party exhibit shows he cannot run because he’s not a member, he cannot push the 2nd person and claim 2nd.

Justice Tsamamni: But if you’re entering a bus in Lagos 

“The whole courtroom is laughing”

“Lmao APC is begging for a RERUN, but they don’t want Peter Obi to contest”

Why are they afraid 😅.

APC lawyer is now up

Fagbemi takes the stage to give us his own Queen premier English.

Fagbemi: My lord as simple as it is, I join my learned colleagues, SAN AB Mahmoud and my leader SAN Wole Olanipekun to say that this case should be quickly dismissed as it’s a waste of time.

This petition is ambitious (na wa oh, English)

This is the petitioners fourth coming on the case of electronic collation.

The first one was in Federal High Court here in Abuja and they abandoned it and ran to Lagos and that case lasted 8 days and they went to court of appeal and it was disastrous for them because they lost. We have presented this in exhibit X1.

Now they are here again about electronic collation.

It is a gross abuse of court time.

“This one is on colos”

🥲

Fagbemi: If anyone wants to attack any result, there has to be a PU by PU allocation and proof because there was a glitch in PU A but none in B but the petitioners said there was no glitch in their own places they won and they should at least have their proof but have none and it is abysmally lacking in this case.

Now on the issue of Rerun it should be a 2 man race and that is between the winner of the election and the runner up and that has nothing to do with the petitioner.

“APC are actively looking for a rerun, they now know there is nowhere to run to😅🤣😅”

I thought you people said you won.

They don’t want Peter Obi and Labour Party on the ballot, that is their game now😅.

Fagbemi: My lord so on disqualification, everyone can run in an election rerun as long as you’ve ran in the election.

“Wait oh, it’s like someone has fainted oh 😭😭😭”

Awww one APC baby lawyer is having breathing problems, I hope she gets okay”

The court is waiting for them to take her out and give her the attention she needs. Hope she gets better.

Fagbemi: My lord, on the issue of forfeiture, the court already gave the 2nd respondent a clean bill of health on that.

Then on 25% of FCT, the constitution states 25 States of the federation even if the candidate scores 0 in FCT 25% in 25 States stands and there is no dispute that the 2nd respondent scored 25% in 29 States and to put FCT higher would amount to constitutional absurdity.

“One INEC lawyer just stood up and crossed over to pass a note to Fagbemi”

I don’t know if that is allowed.

Fagbemi: My lord on the glitches (Fagbemi started sounding like he was crying and his voice became funny)

“Everyone starts laughing while he was talking and it was difficult to hear him.

One baby lawyer ram and gave him water”

Justice Ugo: It’s a voice glitch

“Everyone starts laughing”.

Fagbemi: Yes my lord, since time is up, let me say that INEC scored a high mark in this election at least 50% is a pass mark and INEC scored 90% which is more than enough of the petitioners are only complaining about glitch.

So my lord, I seek that this petition be thrown out.

SAN Livy is now up with the microphone: testing testing 123

😅🤣😅

SAN Livy: My lord, it is my submission that the respondents have laboured in vain to diminish this petition.

“Hmmmm”

SAN Livy: As the case of Oyetola Vs INEC where the Supreme Court said IREV is part of electoral process, my lords, I will seek your indulgence to refer you to paragraph 22 of the witness disposition of RW1 which all the respondents have preferred to ignore and I will like to further drag them out of their uncomfortable zone.

The witness, their own witness said the authentic portal on which results can be accessed for review or determination of the election is the IREV Portal.

Now they are saying that IREV is no more important.

And an election where 88,000 blurred results were uploaded on this IREV is a flawed election.

Oyaaaaa🔥🔥🔥

Livy: My lord, INEC gave results to the petitioners to present in this court and 88,123 of those results were blurred and they were certified by the same INEC and some were even blank copies of A4 papers, certified and among them you have pictures certified by them, INEC and they want to say they conducted an election properly so called.

My lord, let me repeat myself.

Justice Tsammani: We have heard you

Livy: My lord, let me say this, it is my submission that a CERTIFIED TRUE COPY of a document MUST BE AN EXACT REPLICA OF THE ORIGINAL.

Must be, there is no choice, you cannot give us blurred CTC

 INEC can only have in its custody blurred blank result and not the original and so they have no basis as to what they used to declare that result, they only went to declare someone a winner and they don’t even have the original copies of results they certify because it could never have been any other thing apart from blurred sheets and pictures.

Fire on SAN

Livy: My lord, the 2nd respondent forfeited $460,000 on NARCOTICS, they don’t want to hear that, NARCOTICS

🤣🤣🤣

Livy ohhhh! Livy: My lord they have been quoting section 137 1D they are trying to form a case for us and avoiding the main case, even when you focus on money laundering which was part of the crimes of the 2nd respondent, the NARCOTICS should not be ignored and the constitution is clear on such crimes.

Now on rerun my lord, let us be clear, the only candidate who comes clear for a rerun is the 1st petitioner according to section 131 3D and my lord, in the case of Awolowo and Shagari, of course the provision now was not available then in that case.

And let me quickly refer to what the lawyer of the 2nd respondent said that the petition has been abandoned and I can’t believe this came from a brother I know, petition that you spent time filing replies and you don’t even have replies to file is what you’re saying abandoned.

A petition where you don’t even have any witness.

🔥🔥🔥

Livyyyy! Livy: My lord, I don’t want to spend time talking about FCT because the constitution is very clear on it, none of them even defined the meaning of AND.

I didn’t hear that from any of them whether disjunctive or otherwise and that would lead to manifest absurdity and they know so that is why they ignored that and did not urge my lord to interprete the AND as being disjunctive.

“The clerk rings the bell”

Livy: My lord, I’m replying 3 people, my time is not up

🤣😅🤣

Livy: My lord, the petitioners have proved their case and to the issue of noncompliance from INEC they have no defence. They said because of toner, that’s why results CTC are blurred 

4 months after was when they explained a 4 hours glitch, 4 months after.

Up unto 29th of May, they were still giving us blurred documents of election result, 4 months after elections, how can you reconcile the 2. It’s not possible.

Justice Tsammani: Your time is to

Livy: My lord, one more sentence

the petitioners have proved that there was no glitch whatsoever in this election.

May it please my lordship.

Justice Tsamamani: Okay, we will announce the date for judgement to you all.

OMG 

🥹

“Learned silks, this is it, it’s done”.

It’s going to be a testimony.

Earlier in PDP closing address:

This PDP’s lawyer SAN Uche deserves cold Guinness Stout 

His wife must have rubbed his head well today 😭🤣😭

SAN Uche: My learned colleague on the other side said the criminal offence is timely and INEC the time has passed then the offence has passed. He said it here that the constitution forgives.

Well my lord, I am here to say that TIME DOES NOT RUN AGAINST CRIME

“The whole courtroom shouts Yeeessss”🤣😭🤣

Justice Tsammani: Uche, we should not mislead the public this thing is coming from the mouth of a Senior Advocate.

Some people already have their headline and that’s not right.

It’s a constitutional issue, it’s written in the constitution, so it’s not any time does not run against crime, it’s just the constitution. Let’s not mislead the public. The constitution states how long any crime can stand.

“Everyone is looking at Justice Tsammani like; is like agbado is under your wig”😭🤣😭

SAN Uche: Well my lord, at least he admitted that the 2nd respondent committed a crime. He said there’s forgiveness in the constitution and even when there is forgiveness let’s not forget that there’s also a punishment for sin.

“The whole courtroom is about to start clapping and giving a round of applause”

🤣🤣🤣

SAN Uche: Yes, there is Punishment for sin

Justice Tsammani: Uche you’re a Christian are you not a Christian, Christians forgive and even Jesus said go and sin no more.

SAN Uche: That was Jesus Christ oh, me I’m not Jesus 

🤣🤣🤣

“The whole courtroom is laughing”

SAN Uche: Then on Precedence my lord, my learned colleague said there is no precedence of annulling presidential election in Nigeria. 

SAN Olanipekun now stands up angrily: I take objection to that. Don’t misquote me, I am on my feet right now Uche so sit down.

SAN Uche: But I am still talking and you’re using out of my time.

SAN Olanipekun: I am on my feet. I object to that, I allowed you talk and kept my cool since even when you’re mentioning things that is not in your written address, I kept my cool, I didn’t talk, please don’t make me talk.

I object to that statement you’re making now. Don’t do that.

SAN Uche: Well, I heard you clearly and we all did, you said Precedence does not exist in annulment of presidential election.

My lord if I may go on, that Precedence that they said has never happened can be created today and be done in this case TODAY

“The whole courtroom is shouting Yes”🤣😭🤣

Justice Tsammani interrupts with smiles on his face: But Judgement is not today na

“The whole courtroom is almost on the floor with laughter 😂🤣😂”

SAN Uche: My lord as I end this case, let that precedence be today, HEAVEN WILL NOT FALL

“The whole courtroom wants to clap”

😅😅😅

Wowww amazing

PDP you guys have tried today, I’m proud😅.

Justice Tsammani: So we will inform you guys on the date of judgment, it was great listening to you all. Thank you for coming.

🥹

Awww their case has now ended.

Up next, abour Party and Peter Obi’s case by 2pm.

If Tinubu is not disqualified by the Court, forget about justice in Nigeria

I have carefully perused the Petition of APM versus Tinubu, Shetima, APC and INEC and all I can say is that it appeared too mundane, but carries the strongest venom against Tinubu, Shetima, APC and INEC. 

Many looked down on the case and say that the Supreme Court has already determined the issue of double nomination. However, a close look at the Petition will show that the case was never about double nomination of Shetima, but one of invalid nomination. The core of the case is that as at the time Tinubu nominated his running mate, he himself was no longer a candidate by virtue of the a combine provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Act, 2022 in Section 142 (1) and Section 33 of the Constitution and Electoral Act, respectively. 

Let me bring you closer to the fact, law and the Petition before Court of Appeal by the APM. Due to the impression created about double nomination, the APC and Tinubu,  in concert with INEC have presented a case before the Supreme Court that got them out of the trap of double nomination. However, in the there bid to escape double nomination, they fell into INVALID NOMINATION. 

Follow me, patiently. Now, in the pleadings and final address, one fact remained consistent and undoubtedly solid as all the parties are in concurrence. The 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th Respondents all agreed that the "placeholder" Alhaji Masari, withdrew as Vice Presidential placeholder on 24th of June, 2022. They also all agreed that the replacement was made on 14th July, 2022. It is not debatable that between the withdrawal and replacement, a period of 21 days lapsed.

Now, Section 142 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that a Presidential Candidate is not qualified if he has not nominated another person to run with him/her as Vice President. So, without a Vice Presidential Candidate duly selected by the Presidential Candidate, the ticket is useless. So, in order to beat this provision and other requirements for time in the Electoral Act,  2022 that APC invented what we now call the "Placeholder" to secure the Presidential ticket. For the period before his replacement, Alhaji Masari was the Vice Presidential Candidate of the APC in the eyes of our laws. This was why he had to also explore the provision of the Electoral Act, 2022 to withdraw as Vice Presidential Candidate on the 24th of June, 2022.

Now, Section 33 of the Electoral Act,  2022 is also visible to the blind as it mandate a political party whose Candidate withdraws to replace such a candidate within 14 days. 14 days is 14 days and no Court can extend such a time for anyone. It is just like time for election petition can not be extended by any court.

APM is simply saying that as at the 14th day of July,  2022 APC had no valid Candidate for President as its Vice Presidential Candidate withdrew 21 days before a replacement was made, instead of within 14 days. You see, this is our law and no court can amend it because of one person. This is a clear case of power coming from God.

While they attempted to evade double nomination, they fell into INVALID NOMINATION. Isn't God's way above the ways of man?

A perusal of INEC's final address reveals the disgraceful partisan posture of an institution that ought to be neutral. INEC shamelessly claimed that APM did not plead that APC replaced its Vice Presidential Candidate outside 14 days allowed by law. But, luckily, the Petition was handy for APM to point INEC's blind eyes to the portion of the petition where the facts were copiously pleaded. What remains?

Now, the law, the facts and the case are all against the Candidacy of Tinubu and no one can say otherwise. I only wait to see how the law Lords will deal with this. It will be interesting to see a contrary position from what the law clearly is. But what do I know?

Silas Joseph Onu, Esq. 

Abuja - Nigeria.

#FACT: Julius Abure was never elected as LP chairman but secretary

 *A Synopsis of The Labour Party (LP) 2019 National Convention in Akwanga Nasarawa State Displaying The Authentic Labour Party LP National Working Committee, NWC Members in Nigeria And Submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC

The Elected National Working Committee, NWC members of the Labour Party at the 10th June, 2019 Akwanga National Convention in Nasarawa State are listed below:

1: National Chairman:

Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdukarim 

(Baraden Paiko), RIP

2: Deputy National Chairman (North)

Comrade Mrs Maria Lebeke

3: Deputy National Chairman (South)

Alhaji Lamidi Bashiru Apapa

4: Deputy National Chairmen (Platforms) 

NLC & TUC to be appointed by Platform 

5: National Secretary

Barr Julius Abure

6: National Youth Leader

Comrade Eragbe Anslem

7: National Women Leader

Mrs Dupe Seyaolu

8: National Legal Adviser

Barr Akingbade Samuel Oyelekan

9: National Organizing Secretary

Comrade Clement Gbazuagu Ojukwu

10: National Auditor

Comrade Lami Ahmed

11: National Publicity Secretary

Barr Innocent Lagi

12: National Financial Secretary 

Comrade Olugbenga Daramola

13: National Treasurer

Mrs Oluchukwu Opara

14: National Vice Chairman (South East)

Comrade Sunday Innocent Okeke

15: National Vice Chairman (South South)

Comrade Prince Favour Reuben 

16: National Vice Chairman (South West)

Comrade Bode Simon

17: National Vice Chairman (North Central)

Comrade Adi Shirsha Adi, RIP.

18: National Vice Chairman (North East)

Alhaji Alkali Ibrahim Mohammed

19: National Vice Chairman (North West)

Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim

20: Deputy National Secretary (North)

Alhaji Saleh Lawan

21: Deputy National Secretary (South)

Kennedy Chigozie Ahanotu 

22: Deputy/Assistant National Youth Leaders (SS, SE, SW, NC, NE, NW)

To be appointed by NEC

23: Deputy National Women Leaders

(SS, SE, SW, NC, NE, NW) 

to be appointed by NEC

Highlights of the present reality and dispensation from 5th April, 2023 till date.

1: That *Alhaji Lamidi Bashiru Apapa* was Elected As one of the Two (2) Deputy National Chairmen of Labour Party LP at the Akwanga National Convention of 10th June, 2019  with Comrade Maria Lebeke.

2: That *Alhaji Lamidi Bashiru Apapa* was appointed the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party LP legally and constitutionally on 6th April, 2023 by the National Working Committee, NWC in line with the provisions of the Labour Party LP constitution 2019 as amended and ratified by the National Executive Council, NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023.

3: That *Comrade Mrs Maria Lebeke* was the Acting National Chairman for three (3) months 20th December, 2020 when our late National Chairman Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdukarim (Baraden Paiko), RIP passed on till 21st March, 2021 when Julius Abure criminally breached the provisions of the Labour Party constitution and supplanted the office of the National Chairman of Labour Party LP on 21st March, 2021 in Benin City Edo State.

4a: That  *Julius Abure* was Elected As National Secretary and cannot become Acting/National Chairman of the Labour Party LP constitutionally as NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023 voided Julius Abure's Acting National Chairmanship which he occupied illegally and criminally on 21st March, 2021 in Benin City Edo State after the demise of our National Chairman Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdukarim (Baraden Paiko), RIP on 19th December, 2020 and also supplanted the then Acting National Chairman, Mrs Maria Lebeke whom Abure also illegally suspended for two (2) years.

4b: That NEC in session also suspended Julius Abure in line with the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023 predicated on the Nigeria Police Force FCID Investigation & Forensic Audit Report that indicted Julius Abure, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Ojukwu Clement and Mrs Oluchi Okpara for Forgery, Perjury, criminal conspiracy with financial malfeasance.

4c: That Julius Abure's suspension by NEC in session was further predicated on his several contempt of court order and conduct of illegal Gubernatorial primaries in Bayelsa, Imo & Kogi States on 15th April, 2023 and in addition to Abure's illegal NEC meeting conducted in Asaba Delta State on 18th April, 2023.

4d: That Abure's criminal charges encompass his perpetration of several unlawful substitution of validly nominated labour party candidates for the 2023 election which he illegally removed from the INEC portal using fake and forged withdrawal letters, fake court affidavits and fake TSA receipts etc.

4e: That Julius Abure in line with the Nigeria Police Force FCID Investigation & Forensic Audit Report, was arrested on Friday 16th June, 2023 and granted bail on Saturday 17th June, 2023.

4f: That Abure shall be arraigned in Court for prosecution accordingly over criminality bothering on Forgery, Perjury and criminal conspiracy with unlawful substitution of party candidates in the INEC portal.

5: That *Comrade Eragbe Anslem* was Elected As the National Youth Leader and remains the National Youth Leader of Labour Party LP as NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023 voided Abure's illegal suspension, impunity and criminality against Comrade Eragbe Anslem and reinstated Eragbe while declaring all actions by Abure against Eragbe null and void and of no effect from 20th October, 2022.

6a: That *Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim* was Elected As National Vice Chairman North West and cannot become National Secretary of the Labour Party LP Making his illegal occupation of the office of the National Secretary criminally null and void and of no effect.

6b: That Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim was suspended by NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May 2023, in line with the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023 predicated on the Nigeria Police Force FCID Investigation & Forensic Audit Report indictment over his criminality bothering on: Forgery, Perjury and criminal conspiracy with Financial malfeasance which he engaged with Abure by perpetrating unlawful substitution of party's 2023 candidates in the INEC portal.

7a: That *Kennedy Ahanotu* was Elected As Deputy National Secretary (South) and cannot occupy the office of the Acting/National Youth Leader of Labour Party LP. 

7b: That NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023 suspended Kennedy Ahanotu for participating in the illegal NEC meeting conducted by Julius Abure and Umar Farouk on 18th April, 2023 in Asaba Delta State.

7c: That NEC in session on 3rd May, 2023 in Bauchi State further voided Ahanotu's illegal occupation of the office of the Acting/National Youth Leader of Labour Party from 20th October, 2022 declaring Abure & Ahanotu's illegality and criminality null and void and of no effect.

8: That *Alhaji Saleh Lawan* was Elected As Deputy National Secretary (North) and is legally and constitutionally entitled to occupy and now occupying the office of the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party LP in line with NWC appointment of 6th April, 2023 which was further ratified by NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023.

9: That *Clement Gbazuagu Ojukwu* was elected as National Organizing Secretary and was suspended as National Organizing Secretary by NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023 by reason of the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023 over criminal conspiracy with financial malfeasance benefited from involving in unlawful substitution of validly nominated party's candidates in the INEC Portal.

10: That *Mrs Oluchi Okpara* was Elected As National Treasurer and was suspended as National Treasurer by NEC in session in Bauchi State on 3rd May, 2023 by reason of the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023 over criminal conspiracy with financial malfeasance benefited from involving herself in unlawful substitution of validly nominated party's candidates in the INEC Portal.

11: That NEC in session on 3rd May, 2023 in Bauchi State ratified *Comrade Arabambi Abayomi's* reinstatement as Acting National Publicity Secretary earlier approved by the National Working Committee, NWC on 6th April, 2023 in an emergency meeting of NWC after the FCT High Court Restraining Order on Abure and others on 5th April, 2023 and lifted the illegal suspension meted by Abure on Arabambi in November, 2022.

12: That NEC in session voided *Mr. OBIORA IFOH'S* appointment as Acting National Publicity Secretary and suspended him forthwith along with all other NWC & NEC members (States Chairmen and Secretaries) across 35 states and FCT except the Bauchi State Chairman and Secretary and warned them to desist from parading themselves as National Officers and NEC members of the Labour Party LP.

13: That *Julius Abure and Umar Farouk Ibrahim* were suspended by NEC on 3rd May, 2023 by reason of the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023 over criminality bothering on Forgery, Perjury and criminal conspiracy with financial malfeasance to the sum of over four hundred million naira (N400,000,000.00) as benefits derived from involving themselves in  unlawful substitution of validly nominated Labour Party LP candidates in the INEC Portal.

14: That the Constitution of the Labour Party LP 2019 as amended did not make any provisions for Julius Abure and Umar Farouk to be Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party LP for which NEC declared their Acting from 21st March, 2021 to 5th April, 2023 Illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect in line with the FCT High Court Restraining Order of 5th April, 2023.

15a: That *Alhaji Lamidi Bashiru Apapa* on the behalf of the Labour Party LP National Working Committee, NWC wishes to thank Nigerians for their steadfast support in this struggle.

15b: Apapa has declared his commitment to unveil the programs for the commencement of implementation for the Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States 11th November, 2023 Gubernatorial Elections for our candidates.

15c: Apapa declared that *Chief Ukaegbu Ikechukwu Joseph (Ikenga)* is the Labour Party LP validly nominated Gubernatorial candidate of the party in Imo State from the 16th April, 2023 primaries, while *Col Dr Abu Vincent Enemona* is the Gubernatorial for Kogi state and also declared that for Bayelsa State.

Obi, Atiku United in the Cause

POEM Deepens...

If you had time to study the HE Peter Obi and Labour Party final address on one hand and the HE Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party's own on the other, one would notice a path of unity in almost all arguments. Both addresses were in response to HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu and HE Kashim Shettima's own final address in defence of the heist called the February 25 presidential election conducted by the Prof Mahmood Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Both petitioners' sets of legal teams brushed aside the arrogance, provocation and threats from the rabble-rousing team led by Wole Olanipekun, SAN to dwell on issues of their respective petitions. Drawing from both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the 2022 Electoral Act, both teams cleanly pushed the dagger through the arteries of the Respondents by providing proofs evidently beyond every reasonable doubt in matters relating to non-compliance, Tinubu's drug-related forfeiture business, forgery of certificates, Shettima's double nomination and the matter of 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory.

Most interesting of the arguments can be enjoyed from digesting the submissions both ventilated while supplying proofs upon proofs, including citations, of the intentions of the drafters of the constitution by the use of *AND* in reference to 25% of the votes cast in at least ⅔ of the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, Abuja.

Though choosing their different sets of words, both teams arrived at exactly the same conclusion - any president of Nigeria *MUST* obtain at least 25% of the total number of the votes cast at the FCT in addition to other constitutional requirements, to be declared president-elect. Tinubu did not, and both parties are crying foul. 

It is significant to note here that even when Atiku and the PDP did not get up to the required 25% votes in FCT, they stoutly defended the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Kudos to Atiku, the PDP and their legal team for insisting on the right thing even when they would not benefit directly from the move. A new Nigeria is indeed POssible!

The Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-man Tribunal is on the spotlight. Expectations are quite high that they should rise to the occasion and deliver equitable justice. The nation is all eyes as much as the international communities, especially the European Union, who sunk a whopping €38 million into the exercise, having been convinced by Prof Yakubu and his INEC that the election was going to be free, fair and credible.

Tsammani has the yearning chance to clean up the mess of Yakubu and let the country enjoy the confidence of the EU and the watching world. No country lives in isolation from the rest of the world, and a country of over 200 million should not be an exception.

#ANewNigeriaIsPOssible

This is POEM

Re: Peter Obi and NADECO/DEMOCRACY Day; The Need for Facts of History

Peter Obi

One Wilson Ijide, whose identity is lost with those who embark on similar hatchet campaigns to recklessly smear the integrity of a man whose only crime is daring the old order to evolve a new Nigeria for the benefit of her citizens and assured future of her teeming youths, came out with the exceedingly ridiculous write-up so referenced in this response. Ordinarily, such disjointed attempt of extreme display of hate and unprecedented falsehood deserve no response from POEM but we live in a vulnerable society where such glaring distortions sometimes gain traction.

The internationally acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie would refer to the danger of such single story - a stereotype, untrue, incomplete and straight-jacket telling - as satisfying only the invectives of an unknown quantity. Besides this, 'Ijide's' lone race in distortions brings to fore the need to return the teaching of history to our schools, otherwise people like him, whether they actually exist or manipulated to have form, would ear-plug themselves, fly high and get lost on wild imaginative compositions without interrogation! But we are POEM, we keep the records straight for our nation's sake!

We will not attempt to correct the very wrong impression of half-truths and unimaginable propaganda by the writer, regarding Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB and his stewardship as a former Nigerian leader, who though erred terribly in the annulment of June 12 but not entirely the monster the writer described by reference to Egypt's Gamal Abdar Nasser. IBB is sound in mind and spirit, and quite capable of responding if the retired general finds it worthy.

But to connect HE Peter Obi to some of the actions leading to that annulment is not a a matter we intend to step aside in any way. The writer's poor sense of fiction writing descended to the abyss with his illogical and ahistorical concoction that the Labour Party presidential candidate was acting behind the scenes as the deputy to Chief Arthur Nzeribe of the notorious group termed Association for Better Nigeria, ABN, another child of perfidy on the IBB/JUNE 12 imbroglio. Again, we see a single story in an attempt to clap with one hand. Now, to the real facts of June 12 impasse as history is not produced in a science laboratory.

In 1993 when IBB and a certain cabal were playing a ludo game with our nation, Peter Gregory Obi was not anywhere near the military, neither with any political contractor nor group, either for nor against IBB. He was not interested in politics and was minding his trading business, took residence outside the country in far away United Kingdom. This much fact was revealed by himself on tape on video in a public conference. We refer readers to this video clip to listen in: https://fb.watch/l9pnMmc-dZ/

POEM does not, in any way, give leanings to ethnic narratives but trying to box PO into that unwilling wall, we will clarify that the leader of the so-called ABN was Abimbola Davies from Chief MKO Abiola's ethnic divide. Arthur Nzeribe was only his deputy. So, even if clandestinely, did Nzeribe appear like one to share his deputy functions with Obi (who Nzeribe would consider a boy then)? Isn't it simply nauseating how some people could sit down, possibly in filthy room and manufacture a single story of vulgar nonsense?

The formation of NADECO was a baby of necessity that had some membership which the jaundiced writer sliced. Slicing that only provided the names of the Yorubas. A clear revelation to this writer's sole intent - to create ethnic loathing. How does one deal with a mind that has been corroded with ethnic jingoism? Present more facts definitely. 

NADECO wouldn't have been without the muscle provided by true Igbo indigenes in the likes of Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Alhaji Abdulazeez Ude and so many others. Is this faceless writer not aware or is he conveniently forgetting the ordeal Olisa Agbakoba, SAN went through in the hands of late Gen Sani Abacha while fighting with everything in him to actualize June 12? Is it a hidden knowledge that the USA representative of NADECO and Executive Director is Lloyd Ukwu, an Igbo man who single-handedly provided all the funds and hosting abroad? Again, correcting the dangers of a single story! 

At this juncture, it must be emphasised that this nation should remain eternally grateful to Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Afenifere for painstakingly scrutinizing PO, finding him very worthy and firmly stood by him before, during and after February 25. That has been the greatest sacrifice by any pan-ethnic group to banishing the monstrous ethnic politics from our shores.

Typical of those who are afraid of strong illuminations emanating from Obi in our dark democracy firmament, the writer played their usual record devoid of grooves, a worn-out noise about Obi being a killer, a bomber and opportunist making his money through a reward from Abacha in being the "CEO of Tin Can Island Port, thus becoming the chairman of Fidelity Bank at the age of 35". Oh what a poor soul being housed by this writer!

It is time to listen attentively to the attached video. Abacha made PO the chairman of decongesting Tin Can Island Port the first time the late head of state set eyes on the young billionaire. Obi led a group of traders whose containers were seized. Notably, no one dealing in illegal business like drug trafficking would have dared going to Abuja to meet an emperor like Abacha to release his goods. Such a person certainly wouldn't return to the comfort of his home. In that meeting, Peter Obi spoke so convincingly about measures to decongest the ports and surprisingly, the Head of State instantly made him the chairman of the committee. He never knew him before then.

But Obi did not lead the traders to Abacha because he was the most handsome. To be appointed to lead and speak on their behalf, his containers must have worth the most in money or at least close to that. And it wouldn't be a surprise.

While he supported and voted for the late Chief MKO Abiola in 1993, soon after the election he relocated to the United Kingdom with his family where he ran a decent successful business that received encouragement and support from credible finance institutions all over the World because of the integrity and reputation he put in it. Obi was not and is not a man to ever get involved in corrupt enrichment.

If he was such a Nigerian, he wouldn't have saved N75 billion as governor of Anambra State and handed over to his successor, when he had opportunities, like most of his counterparts all over the country, to have stolen all of them. So, claiming that he made his money from his brief stay as chairman of a committee set up by the head of state to decongest the Tin Can Island Port is not only absurd but also clearly shows the poor level of apprehension whoever was hired to write as Wilson Ijide possesses. 

PO did not win over 95% of the votes cast in Anambra State because he is from the state. He won so massively because the people tested him for eight good years and found him very sufficiently worthy. Majority of Nigerians voted for him because they studied his past and found a man of very appealing integrity, desirable honesty and admirable competence. All these attempts at distorting such facts with jumbo tales did not work before February 25 and certainly won't work now and even after.

 By POEM

10TH Senate Leadership: My Appeal To PDP Senators

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi. 

Since the beginning of this Republic in 1999, the preference for People's Democratic Party by the people of South Eastern Nigeria has been proven time and time again!

 Their rejection of APC's Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was almost total which invented the 95% 5% political formula. It denied the Region of Senate Presidency because the region practically had no representation in 8th Senate. If not for bigandry of power, 2019 would have followed the pattern of 2015!

Opposition is the grace that beautifies democracy. Its dynamism saw APC to power. No one can take it away from APC. They provided the most informed opposition laced with media propaganda to push PDP out of power!

 Reflecting on the Attempt by PDP led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to remove petroleum subsidies and how the then National Leader of ACN and Now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided inspirational leadership to tackle PDP on its betrayal of people's contract from which PDP never recovered, is of essence to all PDP Senators to guarantee the survival of Nigeria as one, united country and at finding the way forward for their party to come back to power in the future!

Successful removal of subsidy practically on the first day of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office shows the impotence of opposition politics in Nigeria presently. 

The docility of PDP as the leading opposition party since the advent of APC to power in 2015 is very disturbing! In fact, some political pundits are of the opinion that the PDP is too elitist to play the role of opposition while some APC top brass believe the most opposition recently have come from the so called Obidients. 

 Some other individuals have provided better opposition to APC administration than PDP as a political party! 

 This doesn't augur well for the development of democracy and its institutions. PDP therefore owe it a duty to democracy; having the leading number of opposition Senators, a trust the electorate has conferred on them to hold sacred this responsibility. Will they let it slip to LP or get on the game to provide opposition; galvanise LP, APGA, NNPP and others in the Senate for the sake of protecting Democracy!

Inevitably, positioning for proactive and pragmatic opposition is more importantly for all PDP Senators now and they should make that their primary responsibility! 

PDP Senators should put in context the solo effort of BAT in the regionalized pump price of PMS against what is available in OPEC nations. 

Making a case for this administration as far as subsidy is concerned is double speaking and no man of conscience should have a part in that.

This subsidy removal is a remote assurance of a successful tenure. To hail any successful outcome of this Government at the end of 4 years with the luxury of subsidy removal allowed her which was denied others will be unfair. Let this be on record.

The future of PDP as a party hangs in the balance, the side to which this will tilt is entirely up to PDP Members in the National Assembly, they either trade their personal aggrandizement for the future of their party, or eat up their political careers through blind pursuit of avarice.

My interpretation of the body language of the judiciary through the ongoing election petition suggests a judiciary system functioning from a bat right side pocket.

 Letting BAT have his way at putting the NASS in his left pocket through interfering in the politics of who and who emerges as their leaders will prove to be a costly mistake if ever allowed to happen!

Sentiments are snares in politics, but could be an effective ace at pushing odds through, in any political engagement if employed by strategy.

I stand to be corrected, it appears to me that the new Government is already showing signs of authoritarianism which if not checked will end our democratic experience in a one party system or end it finally.

It will be a disservice to Nigerians and to democracy if the Government is allowed to successfully edge us towards the path of a failed democracy.

The choice of Akpabio by BAT is hinged on the contract that saw him step down for BAT. 

While it is okay for BAT to reward Akpabio, should it be with a decision that is exclusively the right of 108 members of the Senate to make?

It is quite considerate for APC to zone the Senate Presidency to the South East or South South, but micro Zoning it Akpabio is nothing other than exhibiting impunity of power over the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and taking every single Senator elected by the people for granted!

My trip to Umuahia to witness the inauguration of Dr Alex Otti as the Executive Governor of Abia state brought me face to face with the reality of the need to immediately and deliberately integrate the region into national structure of Government in the interest of giving the people of South East the opportunity to see prospects in one, big and united Nigeria. 

I cared less where goes the Senate Presidency provided it's not tied to the apron of BAT led presidency, but not after my historical trip to Umuahia. The vortex of political conflagration in the region is capable of destroying our dream of one united Nigeria. 

I will write of my experience in an article to be titled, "Biafra; a Republic within Republic", but for now, let me present to the PDP Senators the urgent need to reassure that region and suck them in. The military occupation of the South East is embarrassing to the spirit of democracy, which abhors a police state, not to speak about militarization of social and public space.

The event of Otti's inauguration was a flicker of hope to democracy. My road trip from Lagos to Umuahia was like travelling through a region at war to see the enthronment of democracy. The crowd at the stadium was unprecedented. All gates to the stadium were shut few hours into the programme to prevent the sea of heads on all the streets leading to the stadium, from gaining access, which of course could cause a stampede.

 The crowd were however content with being around the venue and remained on the streets till the event was over! A big endorsement for the people's Government and their Governor. No doubt, Otti is who they voted for. And what they ordered, Democracy delivered!

Amazing however was waking up to the intimidation of the celebration of Biafra Day on Tuesday 30th of May. I was to leave Umuahia that day with my wife but couldn't because banks were closed and we were advised not to leave Umuahia for Owerri as we have to pass through Mbaise which is among pockets of communities in the South East hosting the minority IPOB sympathizers against the wishes of the majority for democratic participation in a one big and greater nation proven by what we witnessed at Otti's inauguration!

May I appeal to Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the 10th Assembly to put their country Nigeria first, and consider South East for Senate Presidency. This may be needed activation of a suck in process of the Republic within a Republic.

Labour Party's Alex Otti sworn in as Abia State’s Governor

The Labour Party produced it's first governor in Abia State as Alex Otti and Ikechukwu Emetu were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectfully.

The event which witnessed a tremendous crowd of supporters, friends and party officials had in attendance virtually all former leaders of the party across the party lines. 

National chairman of the Labour Party, Bar. Julius Abure led a strong delegation of party leaders to the occasion. They include National Women Leader, Dudu Manuga, National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and a host of other National Executive Committee members. Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and his wife were among the numerous guests that graced the occasion. 

At exactly 12:20 pm, the governor, Alex Otti took an oath of office officiated by the acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Agbai. He pledged to defend the constitution and promised to be governor for all Abians and to do justice to all. He also pledged to work for the benefit of all Abians.

Peter Obi’s Address to Nigerians on the Eve of the Consumption of a Civilian-Led Coup By Mohammadu Buhari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Yakubu Mahmood, APC and Other Nigerian Political Elites

“For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all. As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.

Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.

The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason,

I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.

We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself.

Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there,

we should remember that this will not last forever.

I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here.

I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.

I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.

We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.

I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity.

These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria.

It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.

In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (LP) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally.

This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.

God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO