Politics
Edo guber: Obaseki to disclose next move after meeting with Buhari
The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki who was disqualified from contesting the governorship primary election by the screening panel of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed that he will meet President Muhammadu Buhari over the development.
After meeting with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Nike, he also met with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udo Emmanuel, but said he was still consulting with his supporters for further moves.
Those he has visited on Sunday are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors.
In a post on his verified Twitter handle on Sunday, the governor described his disqualification as an act of injustice.
“I appreciate the sustained show of solidarity, support and goodwill from Edo people and Nigerians in the face of injustice by the @OfficialAPCNg screening committee,” he wrote.
“I will be making my next move known after I complete consultations with my supporters and meet with @MBuhari.
However, the agenda of the meeting with the PDP governors were not revealed to anyone but Obaseki is believed to be on consultations with them after he was disqualified by the All Progressives Congress.
However, Obaseki’s resolute on not appealing his disqualification has fuelled speculations that he might have been on his way to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Moreso, the University of Ibadan has faulted a claim made by APC that the institution awarded two certificates with separate dates to Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
The institution’s registrar, Mr. Olubunmi Faluyi, while speaking to newsmen on Sunday in I in Ibadan restated that Obaseki remains an alumnus of the institution.
Faluyi said the institution’s stand remained as contained in an earlier statement that “Obaseki gained admission to the University in 1976 and graduated in 1979 with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division. Records of his Admission and Graduation are intact in the archives of the University.”
In the same vein, the varsity’s Director of Public Communications, Olatunji Oladejo, added that the claim by the APC was not true.
“We stand by our statement on Obaseki. How can you issue two certificates to a candidate? That is not true. It is not possible. He graduated in 1979 from the university. We issued only one certificate to him not two,” Oladejo said.
The APC had stated discrepancies in the dates on Obaseki’s UI certificate as one of the reasons for his disqualification from the June 22 governorship primary in Edo State.
Obama presenting its report to the National Working Committee headed by National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, on Saturday, the APC Screening Appeal Committee led by Abubakar Fari, said, “It is inconceivable that the same University will award two certificates with separate dates for the same graduate.
“We also find it difficult to vouch for the authenticity of his National Youth Service Corps certificate, there is no indication as to where he served. We find that he should be disqualified.”
Oshiomhole commended the chairman and members of the appeal committee for doing a “meticulous” job.
“It appears you were extremely meticulous to details and you justified our-not in terms of your findings but in terms of what you were able to amplify. That you have an eye for very important details.
“We are happy you were able to finish this work timeously. This is the final appeal level, what is left now is the NWC will meet and take a decision one way or the other,” he said.
In a related development, the factional camp of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has recommended Governor Godwin Obaseki and two other party chieftains for expulsion over alleged anti-party activities.
It asked the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) to expel Obaseki, who was recently disqualified from the primaries of the party and factional chairman of Edo APC Anselm Ojezua and Organizing Secretary of APC Dr. Aisosa Amadasun.
The Col David Imuse-led faction told reporters on Sunday the alleged anti-party activities would no longer be condoned.
It said: “Obaseki, Ojezua and some other persons have gone to court, in violation of Article 21, Sub-section D5 of the APC’s Constitution in many court cases at the Edo State High Court and the Federal High Court.
“They have shopped for injunctions and rulings to circumvent the processes of law and the provisions of our party’s constitution, in defiance of democratic norms.
“In the light of this, the State Working Committee (SWC) of APC in Edo State has recommended to the NWC that the following persons: Godwin Obaseki, Anselm Ojezua and Dr. Aisosa Amadasun, be expelled from the party, for violating the provisions of our constitution.
“It should be stressed that after the bitter experience of losing the governorship of Bayelsa State in the court, after a well-deserved victory in the election, it will be foolhardy to allow a candidate with dodgy and faulty academic credentials to fly our party’s flag in the September 19 poll.
Even the Holy Book admonishes us that affliction shall not arise a second time. Wisdom profits to direct.
“We wish to appreciate members of the APC in Edo State for their resolute determination to uphold the mantra of our party, especially in the face of the oppressive and draconian administration of Obaseki in the last three and a half years.
“Our consolation is that the screening committee has given us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
However, Ojezua referred to Imuse and his “co-travellers” as impostors who are simply being mischievous and ignorant.
Ojezua, who is the pro-Obaseki chairman of Edo APC insisted that Imuse has no legal right to speak for APC in Edo State and therefore all his statements are of no effect.
“He simply displayed mischief and ignorance. Everything he said is of no effect and it should be ignored.
“Imuse is the subject of contempt proceedings which I initiated and which I will pursue to a logical conclusion. Right-thinking members of the public should disregard the lies of drowning Imuse and his confused supporters.”
Similarly, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki’s developmental strides in the various sectors of the state.
The Chairman, Edo PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi gave the commendation after inspecting facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary election scheduled to hold on June 19th 2020.
Addressing journalists at the stadium, the state PDP chairman expressed appreciation to the governor for approving the use of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the conduct of the party’s primary election.
He noted that the PDP is very impressed with the transformation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, adding, “We are going ahead with our preparations and on the 19th of June, we are coming here to do what we know how to do best, and we will do it peacefully.
“We have 2,100 delegates. The stadium has a capacity for 15,000; so as you can see, we are going to maintain social distancing. We will abide by the rules and regulations as contained in the Gazette by the state government.”
Contrary to reports circulating in some sections of the media, approximately 1,630 delegates have converged on Awka, Anambra State, to elect the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 8 governorship election.
Most of the accredited delegates were already in place Saturday evening, awaiting the commencement of voting.
Initially, seven aspirants purchased the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms. However, by 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, only four remained in the race.
The remaining contenders include Hon. Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Hon. Edozie Madu.
According to official statements, three aspirants—Hon. Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Prof. Obiora Okonkwo—have withdrawn from the contest.
Earlier in the day, the Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee and Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, held a series of strategy meetings with sub-committees to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise.
A Saturday evening visit to the election venue at Dr. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre revealed a peaceful atmosphere, with delegates arriving in an orderly manner and security personnel strategically positioned across the area.
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has won the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA governorship ticket for the State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
About 3,260 delegates voted at the Alex Ekweme Square, Awka on Saturday to return Soludo as the party’s flagbearer to contest for a second term of office.
Soludo has no rival contested against him in Saturday’s primary election and he also retained his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim who is currently deputizing him as his running mate for the 2025 governorship election.
Announcing the results, the returning officer for the election, Uche Nwegbo, said the total delegates were 3,260, while 3,175 were accredited to vote and four votes were invalid
Nwegbo said, “Total delegates for this election is 3,260, 3,175 are accredited delegates, 3,172 is the total votes, while 0 4 votes were invalid.
“The total yes-votes garnered by the governor is 3,168, while there were no no-votes. So, in line with the INEC guidelines and with the powers conferred on me as the chief returning officer for this election, I, Uche Nwegbo, hereby declare the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as returned, as the candidate of our party.”
Soludo accepted the outcome of the primary election and thanked party members for their commitment to the party and the people of Anambra State.
He said, “We as a party have grown from strength to strength. We are the first registered progressive party in Nigeria, and our people have taken APGA as their own. Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra.
“I want to say that I am humbled by this historic display of solidarity to be able to raise the flag of our party again, and I want to say that I accept this nomination wholeheartedly.
“Anambra keeps rising with the progressive leadership that we have had through APGA, and I will continue to appreciate the leadership of the party.
“I appreciate the members of our party and the INEC observers. I do not think that we have ever had this kind of peaceful election where everything was orderly and in one hour everyone was able to cast their votes.
“In 2021, Anambra interviewed all the candidates and employed me, and all through the journey, three years down the line, you have been able to give us support. That is why we have been able to do what we do, which people say is magical. We are doing this without borrowing one Naira, and I know we will continue to do even more, and we continue to ask for your prayers.
“We are only at the introductory stage; Anambra has not seen anything yet. I appreciate the citizens and captains of industries who have been supporting us, and we will keep growing higher and higher.
“I appreciate the support groups, especially all that endorsed us for a second term. They are still coming up with more donations to the campaigns, and I thank those market women who are still eager to donate to our campaign. Many political parties have declared support for us, and never in Anambra State have we ever had a consensus like what we have today.
“When I took oath of office, I promised not to let Anambra down, not to let my supporters down, not to let my family down, and not to let APGA down. We are working 247 to ensure that. Many people have said we do not have any opposition, but I say that we will not only win all 21 local governments but also the 326 wards. Someone said we should even aim for all the polling units in the state. We want to make a statement.”
“In 2017, I gave a lecture which I titled ‘If it is not broken, why mend it’, and it became popular. Today, I want to say that I am re-nominating Dr Onyeka Ibezim as my deputy governorship candidate for the election. If it is not broken, why mend it? I want to say that the battle has only begun,” he added.
In a landmark judgment delivered on April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified the recognition of Barrister Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), thereby altering the trajectory of the party’s leadership dynamics.
This ruling has ignited a new phase in the internal crisis rocking the Labour Party, triggering a cascade of reactions from various stakeholders—including LP presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Nenadi Usman of the LP Caretaker Committee, and the factional LP spokesperson Obiora Ifoh.
The five-member panel of the Supreme Court emphatically ruled that the Court of Appeal in Abuja lacked jurisdiction in the earlier decision that had upheld Abure’s leadership.
Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the controversial Court of Appeal verdict and further invalidated the convention held in Anambra State that had ratified Abure’s re-election as the party’s national chairman.
This judgment has caused ripples within the Labour Party, with different factions interpreting and reacting to the verdict in contradictory ways. In this comprehensive blogpost, we will unpack the Supreme Court’s decision, examine the various reactions from party heavyweights, and consider the broader implications for the future of the Labour Party in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Abure’s Supreme Court Sack: A Game-Changer
Delivered on Friday, April 4, 2025, the Supreme Court’s ruling marked a critical intervention in the protracted leadership tussle within the Labour Party. The apex court unanimously held that the Court of Appeal had no legal authority to interfere in internal party leadership matters, especially when the party constitution provides mechanisms for resolving such issues.
Key Points from the Judgment:
Jurisdiction Error by Court of Appeal: The Supreme Court declared that the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to affirm Abure’s chairmanship, thereby rendering its decision null and void.
Expired Tenure of Abure: The court also observed that Abure’s tenure had expired before the matter came up for adjudication, hence he had no valid mandate to remain in office.
Anambra Convention Dismissed: The Supreme Court invalidated the convention held in Anambra State, where Abure’s re-election was purportedly ratified, describing it as a product of internal mismanagement.
The ruling, therefore, stripped Abure of any legal authority to function as the national chairman of the Labour Party, sending the party leadership into disarray.
Peter Obi’s Calm Reaction: “I Still Have Faith in the Courts”
Reacting to Abure’s Supreme Court sack, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 general elections, reacted with remarkable calm and statesmanship. Speaking through Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the spokesperson of the Obidient Movement, Obi reaffirmed his unwavering confidence in the Nigerian judicial system.
“No matter how judgments turn out, we still believe in the courts of our land. What matters now is peace, unity, and the progress of the Labour Party as we prepare for future national responsibilities,” Obi stated.
Rather than dwell on the legal technicalities or align with any of the warring factions, Peter Obi once again projected himself as a unifying figure, calling on all members of the Labour Party to focus on reforms, healing, and collective progress.
His neutral yet firm stance has been hailed by political observers who view him as the glue holding the fragile party together in turbulent times.
Nenadi Usman Welcomes the Verdict: “Victory for Democracy”
Reacting to Abure’s Supreme Court Sack, Senator Nenadi Usman, who leads the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, was more celebratory in her reaction. She applauded the April 4 judgment as a major victory for justice, democracy, and party accountability.
In a press statement released shortly after the ruling, she declared:
“This is a landmark victory for the rule of law. It signals the end of impunity and abuse of internal party processes. The Labour Party now has a unique opportunity to rebuild on the foundations of transparency and inclusivity.”
Usman also revealed that the Caretaker Committee will, in the coming days, announce a new timeline for the party’s national convention—one that will be supervised by INEC and open to all bona fide delegates.
Political insiders believe her faction is now poised to take full control of the party’s machinery, organize fresh elections, and restore internal order following months of tension and division.
Abure’s Supreme Court Sack: Obiora Ifoh Counters: “Abure Still in Charge”
In an unexpected move, Obiora Ifoh, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party and an ally of Julius Abure, disputed the interpretation that Abure was sacked by the Supreme Court.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Abuja, Ifoh insisted:
“The Supreme Court judgment did not sack the Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure. Rather, it rightly upheld the precedence of lower court decisions that recognize the Labour Party’s internal authority to appoint its leaders.”
He further claimed that the Supreme Court respected the autonomy of the Labour Party and reaffirmed the right of party structures to determine leadership.
This statement has generated considerable confusion, with many questioning whether Ifoh was trying to spin the judgment to retain political influence. Legal analysts, however, maintain that the Supreme Court’s ruling clearly invalidated the process that installed Abure, thereby ending his legitimacy as chairman.
Abure’s Supreme Court Sack: Silence and Absence Raises Eyebrows
While his allies are busy defending his leadership, Barrister Julius Abure himself has remained silent, reportedly mourning the death of his father-in-law. His absence at the press briefing and lack of personal statement have left party members and political observers speculating about his next move.
Is Abure planning to appeal or re-strategize for a comeback through internal negotiations? Or is this the end of the road for his leadership ambitions? Time will tell.
Peter Obi Mandate Group Reacts: “The Game Is Over,” Says Rev. Udochukwu
Adding his voice to the wave of reactions trailing the April 4, 2025 Supreme Court ruling, Rev. Innocent Chukwudi Udochukwu, the National Coordinator of the Peter Obi Mandate Group (POMAG), delivered a strong-worded message to Barrister Julius Abure and his loyalists. Speaking during a press interaction in Abuja, Rev. Udochukwu applauded the court’s verdict, describing it as the final nail in the coffin of illegitimacy.
He said:
“This landmark ruling by the Supreme Court clearly signals that the game is over for Julius Abure and his motley supporters. It’s time they allowed peace, order, and sanity to return to the Labour Party. We must refocus on playing our role as a vibrant opposition and begin preparing in earnest for the 2027 general elections.”
Rev. Udochukwu also called on all stakeholders within the Labour Party, especially the Obidient movement, to rise above petty factionalism and embrace the task of nation-building. He stressed that the party must now close ranks, rebuild public trust, and position itself as a credible and people-oriented alternative to the ruling class.
“The Peter Obi Mandate Group stands firmly with justice, due process, and internal party democracy. We believe that with this ruling, God has given Labour Party another chance to rebuild properly and move forward with a clear sense of mission,” he added.
Rev. Udochukwu’s remarks further underscore the growing pressure on Abure’s faction to accept the legal reality and withdraw from the party’s affairs, thereby creating room for reconciliation and institutional reform.
Legal Experts Clarify: “Supreme Court Verdict is Final”
Several constitutional lawyers have weighed in to clear the air regarding the Supreme Court ruling. According to Barrister Nkechi Okezie, a legal analyst based in Lagos:
“The Supreme Court is the final arbiter. Its decisions are not subject to further appeal. The ruling invalidated both the Court of Appeal judgment and Abure’s tenure, so there is no ambiguity. The Labour Party must now chart a new path.”
Okezie also noted that while internal party mechanisms can still appoint or elect leaders, any process going forward must adhere strictly to the party’s constitution and INEC guidelines.
Implications for the Labour Party’s Future
The April 4 judgment has far-reaching consequences for the Labour Party, especially as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections. Here are some key takeaways:
1. A Leadership Vacuum
With Abure’s supreme court sack he is legally out of the picture, and the Caretaker Committee gaining recognition, the Labour Party must now urgently fill leadership gaps to stabilize the party.
2. Intensified Internal Power Struggles
The conflicting interpretations of the judgment indicate that the internal leadership crisis is far from over. More legal battles or factional clashes may be on the horizon if reconciliation efforts fail.
3. Peter Obi’s Mediatory Role
As the party’s most influential figure, Obi may be compelled to step in as a mediator, leveraging his moral authority to unite both camps and prevent further damage.
4. Public Trust and Electoral Credibility
The Labour Party’s credibility as a viable alternative to the dominant APC and PDP is at stake. Only transparency, reform, and genuine unity can restore public trust ahead of the next election cycle.
The Way Forward: Unity, Rebuilding, and Reform
If the Labour Party is to survive and thrive, this is a crucial moment of decision. With court-imposed restructuring now inevitable, the party must focus on:
Organizing a Transparent National Convention
Initiating Reconciliation Talks Between Factions
Re-Engaging the Obidient Movement at Grassroots Level
Establishing Legal and Structural Reforms
Clarifying Communication Channels and Party Statements
The Labour Party must also leverage this moment to refine its vision, policies, and strategy to position itself not just as a third force, but as a governing alternative come 2027.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Nigeria’s Political History
The April 4, 2025 Supreme Court judgment is not just about Julius Abure. It is about party discipline, the sanctity of internal processes, and the role of the judiciary in upholding democracy.
Reactions from Peter Obi, Senator Nenadi Usman, and Obiora Ifoh reflect the fractures within the Labour Party, but also highlight the urgency for healing, rebuilding, and accountability. Whether the party rises from this stronger or splinters further will depend on the choices its leaders make in the days and weeks ahead.
As the nation watches, one thing is clear: the battle for the soul of the Labour Party is far from over—but the future is still in its hands.
-
Security1 week agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News6 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News14 hours agoSenators Natasha, Abbo unite in peddling dangerous falsehood against me – Akpabio
-
News1 week agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News5 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News1 week agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News1 week agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News5 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis