The Umuahia Stakeholder Meeting and the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee are lawful and legitimate Says NTC

Being a Text of Press Conference by the Leadership of the Labour Party National Transitional Committee (NTC) on September 11. 2024 

We are members of the leadership of the National Transition Committee of the Labour Party. The NTC of the Labour Party is a group fully paid-up members of the Labour Party and the Obedient Movement who have contributed immensely to the development of the Labour Party throughout the years. Many of us in the National Transition Committee are gubernatorial candidates of the party and some of us contested for different legislative offices in the national and state under the party. The NTC emerged after many all-inclusive stakeholder meetings after the end of the tenure of the Abure-led Exco and the crises which his corrupt and illegal administration imposed on the party. 

The NTC engaged and mobilized all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the party recovers itself from Abure illegality and corruption. That process bore fruits as INEC, as the regulator of political parties in Nigeria, informed Barrister Abure that his tenure had expired and have made diligent efforts not to recognize him as a Chairman of Labour Party at every meeting of the heads of political parties. In fact, INEC had on occasion asked him to vacate the chair meant for Chairman of Labour Party. These interventions by the NTC has culminated in the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party in Umuahia. 

We want to state unequivocally that the National Transitional Committee (NTC) facilitated by the Nigerian Labour Congress as the Trustee of the Labour Party fully accepts and commends the decision of the NEC of Labour Party its meeting on September 4, 2024. We fully support the setting up of a 29-man Caretaker Committee to prepare and conduct democratic congresses to elected party leadership at the Ward, LGA, State and National levels in line with Labour Party constitution and the Electoral Act, 2023. The NEC organized by the Governor of Abia State is the most welcome intervention needed to save the Labour Party at this time from the illegalities and corruptions of the Abure hostile capture. We believe that this intervention is in line with the expression of the democratic will of the millions of Nigerians who ae members of the Labour Party and its supporters, and who does not want the party to die at the hands of political contractors who have been procured to destroy the party.

As expected, Abure and his cohorts have gone to town to spread falsehood about the committee and the state of affairs in the Labour Party. As the group that actually midwifed the current positive result in the  Labour Party. We owe Nigerians the duty to present the facts as they are to prevent Abure from running away from his corruption and illegalities which INEC had recognized and confuse the people on the present efforts by the Governor of Abia State and NEC to get the party back to the path of legality and integrity as Nigeria’s favourite opposition party.

   

1. On Legitimacy Of The Umuahia Meeting:

We want to make it clear that The STAKEHOLDERS MEETING held in Umuahia had every form of legitimacy and transparency. It was called according to the constitution of the Labour Party which bestows on the NEC the powers to file any vacancy that exists before another convention. In fact the meeting has “an overdose of legitimacy and transparency” – the sort of which can only come from the “best leaders who live and breathe integrity and rule of law”.

Anyone who is familiar with the events that has occurred in the party will know that Abure and co had no legal capacity to remain and identify themselves as executives of Labour Party. The tenure was ended long ago and they continued to illegally hold on to power with a clear mandate from his sponsors to destroy Labour Party before the 2027 general elections. But we have ended that illegality and rascality. We have commenced a journey to retrieve and reposition the party through the Umuahia. 

We should not forget that our party was thrown into an ‘all-time low’ by the greed and desperation of one man and his few co-travellers, who want to be undemocratic leaders in a democracy – elected leaders without election and due process. Abure and his cohort violated court judgements and Regulatory Agreements signed by both the party and INEC. Unfortunately, they led our party to a dead-end where for three (3) months the Labour Party existed without INEC recognized leadership from June 9th 2024 till the September 4th 2024 Umuahia meeting.

The meeting at Umuahia is constitutionally valid based on the provisions of the Labour Party constitution. You all know that the valid Labour Party Constitution is a public document hosted on INEC Website. Article 14 Section 2B(xvi) gives NEC power: “To fill vacancies in the NWC as they may occur from time to time in between conventions”. The expiration of the tenure of Abure’s NWC on June 09, 2024 meant that they ceased to be members of NEC from that date. But there are other “statutory members of NEC” whose tenure were still valid namely – the Governor and Deputy Governor of Abia State; the President and General Secretary of NLC; the President and Secretary General of TUC; the Chairperson NLC Women Commission (see Articles 14 section 2A from (iii – xviii) and the BOT Chairman and Secretary (see Article 9 section 1C)

Our leaders were required by Constitution to call a meeting of the nine (9) remaining members of NEC to appoint replacements for the vacancies in NWC, but they chose to call the nine NEC members in addition to all elected leaders, candidates in the last general election, and all major stakeholders including even the expired NWC members. In fact, the owners of the party, from the founders to all its leaders from sub-national to national leaders akin to shareholders and Board of Directors in Company’s AGM. That is why I described the Umuahia meeting as “overdose of legitimacy and transparency”, as it met and exceeded constitutional requirements.

2. On The Formation of Caretaker Committee: 

It is laughable that Abure will raise objection to NEC/Stakeholders’  appointment of Interim Leadership for LP when himself is a double beneficiary of similar appointments in 2021 and 2023. In 2019, Abure was elected Deputy National Secretary of LP. The National Secretary resigned and Abure became Acting National Secretary. Unfortunately, the National Chairman Alhaji A. A. Salam died in 2021 and the then Deputy National Chairman North Mrs Maria Lebeke became Acting National Chairman. There was also a Deputy National Chairman South – Alhaji Lamidi Apapa. How Abure jumped from Ag. Secretary to National Chairman without election and without valid NEC appointment remains a study in ‘Gestapo criminality’.

So for the records, Abure was never elected National Secretary or National Chairman neither was he legitimately appointed Chairman as there was no constitutional pathway to migrate from Deputy Secretary to Chairman. This will be story for another day. However, his self-imposed emergence in 2021 was to complete the tenure of the late Alhaji Salam which expired in June 2023. Notwithstanding the Consent Judgement and INEC brokered Agreement, Abure deceived the new Party Leaders into appointing his NWC for another one year, which finally expired June 9, 2024.  

So, Abure’s NWC from inception to expiry; renewal and another expiry were “Caretaker Appointments” – first tenure illegitimate, second tenure deceitfully obtained. Whereas, the appointment of Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker NWC fulfils every aspect of constitutional due process and satisfies the utmost transparency. It is Abure who betrayed all due process and hijacked a political party without election.

3. On Gov. Otti’s Role In Labour Party Affairs:

Abure and his gang attacked the role that Governo Otti played in resolving the crisis that Abure imposed on the party. Anyone who has been following the happenings in Labour Party will not accuse Gov. Otti of not showing sufficient (if any at all) interest in LP affairs or of being against Abure. In fact, many will rather accuse the Governor of being too Pro-Abure. You will recall that while Abure was building his “castle-on-sand” by conducting his illegal Nnewi Convention in violation of Consent Judgement and INEC brokered Agreement; and without any Ward, LGA and State Congresses, the Governor was not aware of the illegalities due to his non-interference and distance from party affairs until INEC banned Abure and his NWC posing existential danger to LP and all her elected officials – the Governor inclusive. Even at that, it took INEC invitation and directives for the Governor to accept to fulfil his statutory duty as the ‘highest elected office holder’ in LP and surviving member of NEC with constitutionally binding duty. So, the Governor has shown great restraint and respect for due process in his intervention. It is Abure who has mistaken commitment to rule of law for condonement of his corrupt and reckless conducts.

4. On Concerns Over INEC Recognition:

The most embarrassing event for Labour Party in 2024 was the day Abure was thrown out of the quarterly meeting of Chairmen of all Political Parties with INEC Chairman in INEC Headquarters Abuja in June 2024. He had attended uninvited. He was also not invited to the August meeting and he dared not attend again. By his own admission in his famous speech delivered at the illegal NEC Meeting of September 9th, 2024 titled “The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born”, Abure declared that the Access Code for uploading Polling Unit Agents for Edo and Ondo States were handed directly to the LP Governorship Candidates for those States. These are usually exclusively handed to National Chairmen of Parties but now given to our candidates because we don’t have INEC recognized Chairman. These and many similar situations led INEC to seek Otti’s intervention to resolve the lacuna in Labour Party leadership.

5. On The Composition Of The Caretaker Committee:

Members of the new Caretaker Committee are representatives of the various core stakeholder groups in Labour Party – from founding Labour Unions to elected officials and Governorship Candidates in the last election among others. The Chairman and Secretary are former Senators and Minister whose experience and character lend a breath of fresh air to a party with badly damaged reputation rooted in destructive reputations of its officers. Imperfections (if any) would be corrected in the most decent manner as expected in normal human compositions.

The new Chairman had been a card-carrying member of Labour Party since 2022 before the general elections of February 2023; and she had been contesting and winning state and national elections for decades before joining Labour Party.

6. On The Nullification Of The Umuahia Meeting’s Outcome By Abure:

This is when nullity calls validity null and void. It can only be the ranting of a drowning man. May be, he was enjoying the void created by his indiscretion as a paid Agent sponsored by opposition party to terminate LP.

Otherwise, he must know that solution to this self-imposed harm should rank the party’s interest over and above his personal interest; which by the way is not harmed in any way. For avoidance of doubt, Abure and his NWC are free to contest for any offices of their choice in the Congresses and Convention being organized by the Caretaker Committee.

7. On Abure’s Loss Of Leadership Control:

It is mischievous that Abure refers to Umuahia meeting as the gathering that removed him from office when the truth is that INEC had removed and derecognized him since June 9, 2024. What Umuahia meeting did was to ‘commence treatment’ on the terminal illness imposed on LP by Abure and co. His utterances and actions since the meeting is a revelation of the dangers we lived with without knowing it.

8. On Abure’s Fear Of Diminished Influence:

Those must be imaginary diminished influence because he has a choice – to toe the path of honour and quit while the ovation is still loud or walk down the valley of dishonour by holding onto an expired non-existent office and sacrifice whatever influence and dignity he acquire from the Office LP National Chairman.

Let me remind him that no politician in Nigeria, and I dare say Africa, drags popularity or influence with our Party’s National Leader H.E Mr. Peter Obi; and Abure may do well to note that PO was never as popular or influential as he is today while he was in office as Governor. He grew in popularity/influence by his dignified conduct out of office – quitting while the ovation was loudest, refusing to collect his exit pension largesse, charity works, dedication to public good among others lifted him. A valuable lesson for Abure and co is that influence is earned, not given or taken. And it is better to be a part of an elephant than the whole of an ant. More so, democratic Chairmen are elected not self-imposed; the chance to emerge elected Chairman of LP is not diminished but now more credible.

 

9. On Damage To Party Unity And Image:

The emergence of Nenadi Usman led leadership for LP has not created any parallel leadership for labour party. It is a child of necessity born to fill a vacuum wilfully created by expiry of Abure;s NWC without valid elections to replace them.

This new leadership is strictly for purpose of organising congresses and convention to elect new leaders for the party – an assignment Abure had opportunity to do but chose not to, until their tenure expired.

It must be stated that Labour Party is bigger than any individual or group and its interest supersedes those of any individual or group. Abure’s dream of factional leadership of LP is only imaginary, as he is standing with only those he had appointed ‘unopposed’ at national and sub-national levels. Unknown to him, even those are lobbying for accommodation in the new leadership/followership. He will soon look back and realize that he is standing alone.

Millions of Nigerians joined or became sympathetic to LP because of Peter Obi Profile and the good work Gov. Otti is doing at Abia State. None did because of Abure and his gang. If anything, a lot of Peter Obi admirers had left LP because of the negative influence of Abure. He will do well to bow out with honour and enjoy his constitutional entitlement of elevation to Board of Trustee (BOT) reserved for all former National Chairmen without dishonour and criminality. This privilege guaranteed by Article 9 of LP Constitution will be extinguished by forceful exit and probe.

We assure all members and supporters of the Labour Party that the party has been recovered from the illegitimacy and illegality under the hand of Abure. Now, that a caretaker committee of the party members appointed legally by the NEC of our party to prepare and organize a democratic convention based on democratic congresses to elect party officials, we are now in the good position to mobilize and prepare Nigerians to replace the failing APC government and install a people-oriented and truly progressive government that will secure Nigerians and end the ravaging spectre of poverty. It is obvious that Abure and his followers are working to truncate the progress of the labour party. They will fail because all actions taken at the Umuahia meeting convened by the Governor of Abia State and other remaining members of the BOT are in line with the constitution of the Labour Party, the Electoral Act and the directive of the electoral umpire, the INEC.

We advise Abure and his cohort to be wise and come back to the fold and show gratitude for the party that tolerated their illegally regime and have not decided to cure the party of such illegitimacy caused by their illegal hijack of power.

A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE AS A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.

LP Crisis: Peter Obi, Otti Write INEC for Validation of Senator Nenadi Led 29-member Caretaker Committee

 The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, have written to the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to notify the regulatory body of the setting up of a 29-member caretaker committee to organise the party ‘s congresses and national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days.

The letter, dated September 6, 2024, and signed by Obi and Otti, also informed the INEC chairman of the leadership crisis in the party.

The letter formally unveiled the names of the 29-member caretaker committee.

In the letter, Obi and Otti, who convened the September 4 expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where the committee was set up, stated, “You will recall that Labour Party had had a leadership crisis in recent times culminating in the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024. This is sequel to the settlement brokered by INEC on June 27, 2022.”

The letter said the settlement was founded on the consent court judgement by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 20, 2018.

“A major part of the settlement states that an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by ward, local government and state congresses shall be convened not later than one year after signing the terms of settlement,” the letter said.

It added that because of the 2023 general election, the implementation of the agreement was deferred by one year to 2024.

Obi and Otti stated in the letter, “By March 2024, the Abure-led NWC organised a convention at Nnewi without first organising ward, local government and state congresses. This fell short of the standards and the spirit of the terms of settlement as stated above. In the light of all these, a leadership vacuum arose in the party. In like manner, the National Executive Committee membership got depleted leaving less than 10 members standing.”

The letter explained, “Given the above scenario, the statutory executives of the party made up of the governor, deputy governor, and legislators, in addition to all surviving members of NEC, the leadership of organised labour, representatives of governorship candidates in the 2023 election and subsequent ones, presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2023 election and other party leaders, met in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and set up a caretaker committee to organise congresses and the national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels.”

Obi and Otti also informed the INEC chairman that Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha were appointed by the stakeholders’ meeting as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the party’s caretaker committee.

The letter also listed other members of the committee representing critical stakeholders of the party.

They included representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, and Comrade Chris Uyot.

According to the letter, the senate is being represented by Senators Victor Umeh, Neda Imasuen, and Ireti Kingibe, while the House of Representatives is represented by Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Hon. Sunday Umeha, Hon. Donatus Matthew, and Hon. Esosa Iyawe

The former governorship candidates of the party were represented by Ken Pela (Delta), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos), Jonathan Asake (Kaduna), and Edward Pwajok (Plateau).

The members of the state Houses of Assembly in  the caretaker committee included Hon. Edosa Richard, Hon. Harrison Oghara, Hon. Augustine Okezie, and  Hon. Clinton Amadi

Representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the committee were Mohammed Misau, Austin Jonah, and Sansa Omalara.

According to the letter, the other members of the caretaker committee are Edwin Bafte Sajo, Nike Oshola, Aishat Madijiem, Ugoeze Caroline Onwubiko, and Dominic Essien.

Abure is Gone!!!!!

Tenure long expired!!!!

Plan and attend to LP congresses on the command of madam capacity Sen. Nenadi Usman.

Nigeria’s problems well-known, offer solutions not excuses – Peter Obi tells Tinubu govt

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi has said that the problems facing the nation are well-known to all Nigerians and that the Tinubu led APC government should just profer solutions.

Obi said it was disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address problems, saying that Nigerian are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger.

Peter Obi suggested that a true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis not excuses.

We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality,

This is the hallmark of visionary leadership and a trait of nations that are making progress and advancing their development. They don't simply state the obvious but offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles.

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 21, 2024

Just like a pilot, who doesn't just announce turbulence; they assure passengers that they will do everything possible to ensure a safe journey. Only then can we begin to trust that our country is in capable hands, working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians. -PO

— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 21, 2024

June 12 Democracy Day: Nigeria Has Deteriorated Into Classical State Capture — Peter Obi

Peter Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has voiced concerns about Nigeria’s democratic progress, claiming that the country has deteriorated into a state of “classical state capture.”

Obi stated this in a statement to mark Nigeria’s June 12 Democracy Day celebrations where many Nigerians are protesting of hunger, inflation and maladmiration of the Tinubu led APC government. Reflecting on the nation’s 25-year journey towards democracy, Peter Obi questioned whether Nigeria has truly upheld democratic principles.

He stated that while the transition in 1999 seemed promising, the country has since shifted into a system where governance benefits a select few, leading to widespread deprivation. True democracy should prioritize the welfare of its citizens, uphold their rights, ensure that laws are respected, and hold leaders accountable."

Obi said: ”The consequences of not being a true democracy have led to leadership failures that have resulted in uncontrolled systemic corruption, high levels of insecurity, lack of freedom of speech, increasing poverty rates, and unprecedented levels of hunger and hardship, which remain unsolved and are growing geometrically.

”True democracy should be people-oriented, where the rights of citizens are respected, the laws are obeyed, the leaders remain accountable to the people, and people’s welfare and care, especially for the poor, become paramount and high priorities.

”Unfortunately, the opposite is the case in our situation. To further illustrate that we are not truly democratic and have only produced the vices enumerated above, we are now ranked as follows: In the measurement of democracy, we have a democracy index score of 4.23, which ranks us low on the Global Democracy Index.

”In the Corruption Perception Index, we are ranked 145th among the 180 countries measured, showing a high level of corruption in Nigeria. In the Rule of Law Measurement, we are ranked 120th out of 142 countries measured in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, indicating that Nigeria suffers from gross disobedience to the rule of law.

”The 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) describes Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists.

”Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries where journalists are regularly monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested. We are ranked 109th out of 125 countries measured on the Global Hunger Index.

”Let us, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy in Nigeria. We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today.”

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 !

VIDEO: Why Peter Obi Heading to Supreme Court ?

 

HE Peter Obi

VIDEO: We have Faith in our Country, we will rebuild it — Peter Obi

 

Our message remains the same before, during and after the election.

All eyes on the NIGERIA JUDICIARY!!

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.

#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

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