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Defections from LP won’t stop, Peter Obi may dump party too – Okupe

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A former Director-General of Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation and erswhile Labour Party’s (LP) chieftain, Dr Doyin Okupe, has said the party’s inability to build an enduring structure after the 2023 elections is responsible for the gale of defections from the party.

Okupe made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)In Lagos on Sunday.

NAN reports that six LP lawmakers recently dumped the party on the floor of the House of Representatives for the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC)

The defected lawmakers include Rep.Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Imo), Rep. Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Rep. Akiba Bassey (Cross River) and Rep.Esosa Iyawe (Edo).

Also, a great number of ordinary members of LP have also dumped the party for the APC and PDP lately.

Doyin Okupe

Okupe noted that the mass defections from LP were expected as elected members would not stay in a party where the future is not sure.

The former LP chieftain said those leaving the party knew they had to move for political relevance and survival .

“The Labour Party was one of those common parties that existed mainly for those who could not get tickets in the major parties to come and find expression.

“That is how we also got there. Our presence in the Labour Party then boosted the fortune of Labour Party.

“But what was important and which was essentially neglected by the leadership of the Labour Party and the presidential candidate was political structure

” So those who are in the National Assembly (under LP platform) know that they are on their last card.

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“Even if they cannot return, they need to use their opportunity right now to align with one or two of the major parties and become somebody.

“So, that is why you are seeing all this gale of deflections, and it’s not going to stop,” he said.

Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, said that lawmakers elected under the platform of the Labour Party knew that the situation that brought them would be different in 2027 .

He added: “Those who came on the of the popularity of the Obedient Movement know, for a fact ,that they would not return because the circumstances are different.

“The situation has become different. What happened in the South West is not going to happen in 2027. I can assure you. It’s not going to happen.

“People want political success tomorrow but LP is not ready to build. They are not ready to build and are not ready to invest in structures,so people will leave” he said

According to him, it is also very possible that Obi, the 2023 LP’s presidential candidate, dumps the party, considering his meetings with some opposition leaders recently.

“Obi was with Atiku Abubakar in Adamawa, recently. So, what does that tell you? That tells you that all options are open. The followers in the Labour Party are not blind,” he said. (NAN)

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APGA Urges Better Welfare, Conditions For Osun Workers

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The Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed deep concern over the welfare of workers in the state, calling on the Osun State Government to prioritize the needs and aspirations of civil servants and public workers.

This was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Party, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

According to the statement, APGA recognizes and appreciates the indispensable role that Osun workers play in the administration and development of the state. Without the hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice of civil servants, governance would grind to a halt, and public service delivery would be severely impaired.

The party noted that while workers across the country face similar challenges, the plight of Osun workers demands special attention. Delayed salaries, pension arrears, poor working environments, and lack of adequate motivation have continued to diminish the morale of workers in the state.

“Osun workers deserve better,” Adedoyin said. “It is unacceptable that in 2025, workers still struggle with irregular salary payments, inadequate housing, and insufficient health coverage. This is a violation of their rights and a breach of trust between the government and its employees.”

APGA called on the state government to implement a comprehensive worker-friendly policy that includes prompt payment of salaries and pensions, professional training opportunities, and improved infrastructure in public offices. According to the party, a motivated workforce is the bedrock of any successful administration.

The party also urged the state government to engage directly with workers’ unions and associations to identify critical areas of need and to ensure a participatory approach to policy-making regarding labor and employment matters.

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APGA used the opportunity to salute the resilience and patriotism of Osun workers, especially teachers, health professionals, law enforcement officers, and local government staff, who continue to discharge their duties in the face of adversity. “Your commitment to the state does not go unnoticed,” the statement read.

Wole Adedoyin reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights, stressing that the party’s philosophy—Be Your Brother and Sister’s Keeper—would remain its guiding principle in standing with the workforce of Osun State.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan Is Guided By Patriotic Commitment – North Central Women

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Call Mgbeke Comedian

North Central Women on Friday criticized Prof Mgbeke, dismissing her recent remarks about the representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as mad imaginings, deception and fantasy.

They also described the remarks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Organizing Secretary, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, as banal and irrelevant.

“It is amazing that male politicians in Nigeria are resorting to dishonest tactics to fight women.”

The women in a statement in Abuja criticized the leadership of the Senate for placing Nigeria in a dilemma.

“The six-month suspension is raised in almost all the news media in the world.’’

They urged the senate leadership to save Nigeria from ignominy.

Specifically, the women praised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not allowing anyone to make her an emotional client in the country.

They also applauded her for playing a major role in the national history of Nigeria.

The statement issued by the Chairperson of North Central Women Front (NCWF), Mrs. Mary Adamu emphasized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unflagging commitment to improvement of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The women scolded the spokesperson of Executive Watch Dog, Mr. Fidelis Ella for advertising his ignorance.

The women of repute and experience branded Dr Sandra Duru (Mgbeke), Ella and Agbomhere parrots and bootlickers of anti-democratic forces.

“Unstable people can destroy anybody for a political appointment, contract and petty cash.”

The women further dismissed allegations of malicious agenda, dirty game of propaganda and destruction.

They described the plot to dismantle Yoruba Government, destabilize the national structure and halt the country from moving forward as a foolish talk.

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“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is guided by patriotic commitment.’’

The women urged sympathizers of the Senate President and a former ministerial nominee not to lead Nigeria to confusion.

The statement denounced intolerance, lies, perversion of truth and crazy ideas.

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Politics

Umo Eno: Political Parties In Nigeria Lack Ideology

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Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says political parties should not be the reason for division among people.

Speaking on Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo on Wednesday, Eno said it is time Nigerians moved past partisan conflicts.

“Why can’t we be peaceful? Why must political parties separate us? Why must we have issues because my brother is in one party? No, we are all Akwa Ibomites first,” he said.

The governor described political parties as mere vehicles to attain power, saying governance should be inclusive once the mandate is secured.

“I see party as a vehicle to get to power — and when you get there, please begin to govern. Govern everyone, relate with everyone,” he said.

Eno lamented what he called the growing culture of misinterpretation, citing a recent controversy about his comments on Ibom Air.

“I know every day, now, I say something, people go to town and misinterpret it. Yesterday, I made an analogy and they say, ‘Oh, the man is demarketing Ibom Air’. That’s far from it. Ibom Air is the best airline,” he said.

“I’m saying that much as I love Ibom Air — it is our airline, it’s a preferred airline. Much as I love it and have it as a state government, if I arrive at the airport and Ibom Air has a technical fault — which is possible — and I have an appointment in Abuja or Lagos, maybe to deliver a talk or meet investors, and there’s an alternative airline… will I not go?

“Will I say, because this is my airline and it is owned by the state government? So when people say, ‘Oh, he was demarketing Ibom Air…’ No! It’s an analogy. Come on, people know better than this.”

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Eno reiterated his position that Akwa Ibom people must remain united regardless of party affiliations.

“For me, what I’m saying is that Akwa Ibom is one, political parties are vehicles,” he said.

He said Nigerian politics lacks defined ideological boundaries, unlike in developed democracies.

“I’ve asked the question, and I want you to tell me: What’s the political ideology of this party and that party in this country?” he asked.

“We’re not like the Americans who say, ‘This is the ideology of the Democrats and this is the ideology of the Republicans.’ Everybody keeps going and coming, keeps going and coming.”

Eno said his message was one of unity and maturity, regardless of the platform anyone belongs to.

“Whatever thing I’m doing, I’m saying let us be one. Whether it is any party, any party platform,” he said.

“You have finished the election. We are now in governance. You are sworn into office to be a governor for Akwa Ibom.”

On Tuesday, Eno hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general election.

He likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, adding that the party is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.

In response, Felix Morka, national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said the ruling party welcomes the governor’s remarks and agrees with his assessment of the PDP.

“We couldn’t agree more that Plane PDP has become demonstrably inoperable and unsafe for travel,” the APC spokesperson said in a statement.

“We assure Governor Eno that a flight with us will be a mighty good ride to remember.”

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