Politics
Fresh Trouble In LP As 2014 Executives Seek Consent Judgement Implementation
By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja
A new development has emerged in the Nigeria Labour Party (LP) as the 2014 executive members of the party regroup and call for the implementation of the consent judgement entered into in 2018. This consent judgement, if implemented, would render the leadership of Julius Abure illegitimate.
During a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, the 2014 acting National Chairman of the LP, Callistus Uju Okafor, and acting National Secretary, Mamman Bukar, emphasized that the national executive of the Labour Party in 2014 has the legal right to conduct a convention that would rectify any irregularities within the party.
Okafor, who presented court documents, revealed that Abure, who took over as chairman, had positioned himself at the national secretariat. The 2014 executive members are now at a turning point and are resolved to settle the long-standing legal battle for the soul of their party.
To provide context, Okafor explained that prior to the National Convention, the Nigeria Labour Congress had requested 10 million membership cards from the leadership of the Labour Party for their members across the country. However, the National Chairman at the time, Barr. Dan Nwayanwu, refused and advised the NLC members to join the party at their respective wards. This issue persisted until the party’s 2014 convention in Akure, Ondo state.
Okafor further revealed that on December 7, 2015, during a National Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi state, three items were discussed: Ali Abacha’s third term in office, Kayode Ajulo’s abuse of office, and Clement Ojukwu defrauding three members of the National Working Committee. As a result, Abacha voluntarily left the meeting, Ajulo resigned as National Secretary, and a committee was formed to investigate Ojukwu’s fraudulent activities.
On December 8, 2015, the National Executive Council ratified Abacha’s departure and Ajulo’s resignation. Barr. Julius Abure was then elevated to acting National Secretary. The Council also confirmed the disciplinary committee’s indefinite suspension imposed on Clement Ojukwu for bringing the party’s name into disrepute.
Moving forward, on October 3, 2017, a Special Convention was held in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Alhaji A. A. Salam, was constitutionally removed from office for embezzlement of party funds. Chief Callistus U. Okafor and Barr. Julius Abure presided over the convention as Deputy National Chairman and acting National Secretary, respectively.
However, Abure was later found guilty of diverting party funds into his personal account. He joined forces with Salam, who sought help from the NLC. Despite several peace meetings, a legal dispute settlement was reached, leading to the consent judgement.
According to the terms of the consent judgement, the Labour party, though not a trade union, was registered by the Nigeria Labour Congress for the betterment of Nigerian workers. The parties agreed to convene an all-inclusive National Convention as stipulated by the party’s constitution. The claimants forfeited all their claims, and the defendants were discharged from any further claims or liabilities.
Despite the consent judgement, Abure vehemently refused to comply and extended his tenure illegally. He conducted an unauthorized convention in 2019, which was in direct violation of the consent judgement. After the demise of Salam in November 2020, the Nigeria Labour Congress, led by Comrade Ayuba Waba, continued efforts to broker peace. However, Abure did not respect the mediated settlement and further extended his tenure unlawfully.
Following the expiration of the illegal extension, Abure extended his tenure for another year, which ended on June 27, 2024. As a result of these developments, the 2014 National Working Committee members, who are beneficiaries of the consent judgement, have agreed to facilitate an all-inclusive and expansive convention in compliance with the consent judgement delivered by Hon Justice G.O. Kolawole. They have also committed to reconciling with all aggrieved members and groups within six months to achieve a united and focused Labour Party.
This recent development has opened the door to potential further crisis within the party.
In a bold declaration, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly stated that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is more than capable of clinching the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections without relying on coalitions with established parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or endorsements from prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai.
During an exclusive interview, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized Obi’s strength as a candidate, asserting that he has a solid base of support that transcends party lines. Ndubuaku confidently noted that Obi had already demonstrated his appeal by securing victories in key regions, including Tinubu’s stronghold in Lagos, before facing electoral disruptions in 2023.
“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election,” Ndubuaku stated. “He is a sellable candidate. The desire for his leadership resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, and if we ensure a free and fair election, victory is within reach.”
His remarks come in the wake of renewed backing from the Obidients Movement, which has pledged unwavering support for Obi, emphasizing his role as the country’s potential savior amid economic turmoil.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, reiterated the urgent need for Nigeria to undergo transformation, positioning Obi as the sole candidate capable of guiding the nation towards recovery.
Ndubuaku further reinforced the notion that the PDP is no longer a viable option for serious contenders, labeling it as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.” He highlighted the contrast between the Labour Party’s resolved issues and the ongoing turmoil within the PDP, arguing that switching parties would be detrimental.
“The Labour Party has addressed its challenges, while the PDP continues to grapple with significant internal conflicts. Transitioning from LP to PDP would be akin to jumping from frying pan to fire,” he remarked.
Additionally, he dismissed concerns surrounding zoning and power rotation, asserting that Obi’s governance would be focused on revitalizing the nation rather than clinging to power. “Obi’s reputation for performance speaks for itself. The fears regarding zoning are misplaced; he has no intention of holding onto power beyond what is necessary to effect change,” Ndubuaku concluded.
As the political landscape evolves, Obi’s unwavering support and potential candidacy continue to stir discussions about the future of Nigeria’s governance and the viability of its political parties.
….Says Atiku on his way out of PDP
…It was against my people’s will
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Recall that, Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, with Okowa as his running mate.
On March 20, 2023, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and others jointly announced the creation of a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The move has sparked ongoing discussions about the potential for a united opposition, with political leaders expressing varied opinions.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa—who officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Monday—expressed regret for not aligning with his people in supporting a southern candidate in 2023 instead of accepting the role as Atiku’s running mate. He said, “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.
“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”
He added that the election of the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, proves that the people still have confidence in their leadership.
Okowa added, “That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did.”
When asked about his communication with Atiku before leaving the PDP, Okowa responded, “I actually did communicate with him that we were going to have stakeholders meetings this week (in the last week) and that it was going to be a leadership meeting and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path because we were no longer comfortable with the PDP.
“And I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me, and that Nigerians know already.”
A general court-martial (GCM) in Enugu state has sentenced Adamu Mohammed, a soldier, to death by hanging for killing Hauwa Ali, his girlfriend.
A statement on Tuesday by Jonah Unuakhalu, acting deputy director of 82 division, said the court also sentenced Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbing a mall in Enugu.
Delivering the judgment, Sadisu Buhari, president of the 11-member GCM sitting at the 82 division of the Nigerian Army, said Mohammed was found guilty of murder under section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act of 2004.
Buhari noted that that the judgement was handed down after a “careful” review of the soldier’s record, his compassionate plea for mitigation and in the interest of justice for the deceased.
“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Buhari said.
He said the panel also found Yusuf guilty of robbery, punishable under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act of 2004.
The GCM president added that the court considered the plea presented by the accused and his counsel for leniency, and applied the judgement to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the army.
“However, due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on the provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act, hereby sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment,” he added.
Buhari reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
He noted that the findings and sentences pronounced for both soldiers are subject to confirmation by the “appropriate authority”.