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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, has been thrown into mourning after the death of his wife, Alhaja Fatimah Oreoluwa Lawal.

She passed away on Friday at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex in Ile-Ife after a short illness.

The Osun APC expressed sadness over the loss, describing it as a painful moment for the party, the Lawal family, and those who knew her. Party officials said she lived a life marked by care for others, humility, and strong support for her husband’s public life.

They also noted that she was known within her community as a devoted Muslim woman and a mother who was close to her family and always available to support people around her.

The statement said, “The deceased was a virtuous woman, devoted Muslimah, a pillar of support to her husband, and a compassionate mother whose life reflected humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family and humanity.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to our state chairman, his nuclear and extended families and all those affected by this monumental loss.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grants her Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give the families she left behind the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

She will be laid to rest on Saturday in Ile-Ife according to Islamic burial rites.

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The Labour Party, LP, has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State.

With her emergence, Usman makes history as the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, 4th September 2024, Usman was appointed to lead the National Caretaker Committee of the party at a NEC meeting in Umuahia, following a leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.

She successfully steered the party through a turbulent period marked by leadership disputes, which were ultimately resolved in her favour by the appellate court.

A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings a wealth of experience and proven capacity to her new role.

As the 2027 general elections approach, she bears the immediate responsibility of positioning the party for electoral success.

Following its strong showing in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has firmly established itself as a formidable political platform, a foundation Usman is poised to consolidate upon.

Prior to the convention, Usman had been recognised as the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Party by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following a Federal High Court judgement delivered on 21st January 2026 affirming her leadership.

This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement delivered on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party for greater success.

She commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and assured members that she would not let the party down in her new capacity. Usman also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.

In his remarks, Governor Otti charged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the party’s structures nationwide.

Others elected into the National Working Committee of the party include Iheanacho Obioma, National Secretary; Mrs Nike Oriola, Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary; Mrs Oluchi Oparah, National Organising Secretary; Comrade Anslem Eragbe, National Financial Secretary; Hilda Dokubo, National Women Leader.

The newly elected National Working Committee was sworn in at the convention.

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The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention to seek re-election for a second term, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest with former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the 2027 general elections.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the declaration during the Kogi Central Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholders’ Meeting, where party leaders, supporters, and key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the future of the party in the district.

Her announcement follows months of consultations and sustained appeals from constituents across the five local government areas of Kogi Central, as well as encouragement from her family.

“After due consultations and encouragement from my husband, I am here to say I have accepted your calls to re-contest for my second term as your senator,” she said.

Meanwhile, former governor, Yahaya Bello has also declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, signalling a potentially fierce political showdown.

Bello made his declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from across the district.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision comes amid a wave of endorsements from party faithful and community leaders, which has intensified over the past four months, indicating strong grassroots support for her candidacy.

In her remarks, the senator emphasised the need for unity within the PDP, urging stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation and inclusiveness ahead of the elections.

“This is the time to bring everyone back home. We must reconcile with those who may have had one issue or another, for the betterment of our party and the success of our elections ahead,” she said.

Speaking at the meeting, the PDP Kogi Central Zonal Chairman, Hon. Anthony Akuvada, commended her leadership, describing her as a transformational figure whose impact has been widely felt across the district.

Akuvada also praised her commitment to inclusive governance, noting that her accessibility and consistent engagement with constituents have strengthened the bond between leadership and the people.