Politics

LP crisis: Obidients mull options ahead of 2027

Published

6 months ago

March 30, 2024

The festering crisis in the Labour Party (LP) is tearing the party apart ahead of the 2027 general elections. Although the Party leadership has declared that it has reserved its 2027 Presidential ticket for the party’s National Leader, Mr. Peter Obi, supporters still fear for the party’s future.

National Chairman of the party, Comrade Julius Abure who secured a second term at the party’s National Convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, is having an uphill task convincing stakeholders especially the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), that the convention followed proper procedure.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, through the Spokesperson to the INEC National Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, disowned the convention.

According to Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act (2010) as amended, all registered political parties are mandated to give the commission at least 21 days notice before holding a convention.

INEC is also empowered by the Electoral Act of 2022 in Article 82.—(2) which states: “The Commission may, with or without prior notice to the political party attend and observe any convention, congress, conference or meeting which is convened by a political party for the purpose of (a) electing members of its executive committees or other governing bodies”

However, while INEC has declared that LP failed to comply with its rules, the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC), insists it complied fully.

National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, told Saturday Vanguard that the party under Abure will remain law abiding.

He said, “Our National Chairman is a lawyer by training. He ensures that everything we do as a party is in line with our Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. We duly notified INEC months before our last convention, we have evidence to prove this.”

Information available to Saturday Vanguard indicate that aggrieved party members are preparing a legal challenge to what they called Abure’s convention.

The party’s National Leader and Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has so far maintained stoic silence in the face of the leadership tussle.

A close ally of Obi, who confided in Saturday Vanguard said, “He (Obi) doesn’t take a public stance on issues until he weighs the issues and reviews facts. As a leader, he has been working tirelessly behind the scenes. He is aware there are internal and external dimensions to this conflict and can’t afford to play into the hands of detractors.

“Recall, amidst allegations of financial impropriety leveled against Abure by the erstwhile LP National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, he recommended that a forensic audit of the party’s finances be carried out. As I speak to you, there is no evidence that this has been done. In various private interventions, he continues to make a case for an all inclusive party leadership but a few who consider the LP platform as their personal fiefdom have refused to yield.”

Feelers from a critical mass within the party indicate growing discontent with the unfolding events.

The Obidient Movement, a group of ardent supporters of Mr. Peter Obi, who boast membership across party lines, are said to be considering other options should the LP platform become “unavailable” for Obi to actualize his Presidential ambition come 2027.

Attempts by some “Obidients” to make inroads into the mainstream LP have so far been rebuffed. This, political pundits argue, is at the crux of the current crisis. A leading member of this group who pleaded anonymity in deference to the national leader, said, “Some of us knew what happened in 2023.

Funds were raised and sent out to states for logistics but traditional politicians within the party did what they know how to do best with such funds.

We had embarrassing situations where agents who were largely volunteers couldn’t get ‘pure’ (satchet) water to drink even when we made provision, it was that bad. We can’t have a repeat of this, that’s why we are demanding accountability from the party leadership”.

Obi is no stranger to changing political platforms. He started his political journey as a member of the PDP before he moved to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) where he spent the greater part of eight years as Anambra State Governor before rejoining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He ditched the PDP platform to join the LP where he emerged as Presidential Candidate to contest the 2023 elections.

Director General of the Heritage Centre, Dr Katch Ononuju, who identifies as an Obidient, said, “This Movement transcends political, ethnic and social divides. It is a movement that unites Nigerians who believe in Peter Obi’s person and political theory that a new Nigeria where doing the right things will become the norm, is possible.

I have heard speculations about the future of the movement and the Labour Party. In my view, it is pointless, there is no need. It is too early to begin to talk about such things. (Julius) Abure has just removed himself, how can you have a convention without Ward and State Congresses?

“How did you assemble the delegates you claimed voted at the convention? What kind of convention did you have without INEC and critical stakeholders like the NLC and the TUC? It took our movement seven, eight months to positively impact the electoral value of the Labour Party to make it a national brand. Right now, the issue of a platform is not and cannot be an issue.”

Former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), High Chief Peter Ameh, who is a leading member of the Labour Party, however said, “Without a doubt, Peter Obi is the fuel that propels the LP. For us to make progress as a party, we must ensure that our internal conflict resolution mechanisms work.

I have always said this to Obidients, leaving the party is not the solution. If every time you have a quarrel with your wife you leave the marriage, you must be prepared for countless marriages in your lifetime.

“My advice to them is to remain and find an amicable solution to whatever issues that we have because political parties exist as vehicles for conflict resolution. Wherever there is more than one person you must prepare for conflict. Resolving these conflicts is part of the process.”

On his part, the party’s spokesman, Obiora Ifoh said, “Read the communique of our convention. Part of our resolution was that groups who worked outside the party should collapse their structures into the party to enhance coordination. We are a party guided by laws.”

However, we gathered that some Obidients who can’t stand the confusion in the Labour want a better organised platform for Obi.

‘You can’t believe what happened during the 2023 elections,’ one top Obidient said, adding ‘while Obi and his team were campaigning for votes some members of the party were campaigning for their pockets.

The problem is that Labour Party members are too hungry and it is showing in the organisation of the party now. You can’t claim that they even respect Obi’s philosophy and principles. Why have they not done the audit Peter Obi told them to do? Obi preaches transparency but is LP secretariat transparent?.

Politics

Despite petition, Edo REC won’t be removed, INEC tells PDP

Published

10 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Despite petition, the Independent National Electoral Commission has snubbed the call by the Peoples Democratic Party to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

Recall both Governor Godwin Obaseki and the national leadership of the PDP have called for the removal of Onuoha, citing his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

They expressed fears that the REC would manipulate the election in favor of the All Progressives Congress.

On Thursday, the Chairman of the Edo State PDP, Anthony Aziegbemhin, escalated the matter by submitting a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

In the letter, Aziegbemhin called for Onuoha’s immediate redeployment, citing concerns over his past role as Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing under Wike’s administration as Rivers State governor.

“The ties between these two are too close to ignore as they share familiarities and are also close associates. To be clear, the relationship between the two is outlined below:

“The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike. He also served as a former Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing to Mr. Wike during his tenure as Rivers governor,” the letter partly read.

The controversy intensified after Wike, during a recent interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, acknowledged the familial connection but emphasised that Onuoha is capable of carrying out his duties impartially, without influence from family or political affiliations.

Responding to these concerns, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the PDP to focus on the process of the election and not on the REC.

“The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted on 21st September 2024 in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office.

“In the same manner, polling unit results will be declared by the respective Presiding Officers after the voting, ballot sorting and counting processes, in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.

“The PO will also take a picture of the PU result in each polling unit with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and upload same to the INEC Result Viewing portal. This process is not the same as electronic voting or electronic transmission and collation of results. The IReV is for transparency purposes. The Nigerian constitution does not yet recognise eletronic voting. Copies of the PU results will be given to accredited party agents.

“Thereafter, the various collation stages will be undertaken before the declaration of the final result at the State Collation Centre in Benin-City.

“The PDP should, therefore, focus on the process, not on the REC or other officials of the commission. The conduct of the election and result collation activity will take place in the open and accredited party agents will witness every step,” Oyekanmi explained.

He added that the commission would not give preference to any political party over the other.

“INEC does not rig elections. The current commission conducted two governorship elections in Edo State in 2016 and 2020 successfully and nobody accused us of rigging.

“We assure all the political parties, registered voters and other stakeholders that the commission will provide a level playing field and not give any advantage to one political party or candidate over the other,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council has urged stakeholders not to see the Edo State governorship election as war, noting that the exercise is meant to choose leaders who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.

The National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, made the call in a statement Sunday in Benin, Edo State, after a stakeholders’ meeting.

He also called on stakeholders in the off-cycle election to work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

He said, “To all stakeholders, let us remember, election is not war. It is simply an exercise in a democracy, where we choose leaders who will promote good governance, accountability, and development.

“As stakeholders, we must prioritise peace, equity, and justice. Let us work together to create an environment conducive to credible elections.

“I urge all stakeholders to adhere to the principles of democracy, respect the rights of others, and prioritise the interests of the Edo people and Nigeria in general,” he said.

Politics

Edo Poll: AA Governorship Candidate Steps Down For Okpebholo

Published

15 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Just days before the crucial Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, the candidate of the Action Alliance, has announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a press conference held on Sunday, Iseghhi-Okojie stated that his decision to step down was driven by his belief that true leadership involves not only standing alone but also knowing when to unite for the collective benefit of the people.

He emphasized that his endorsement of Okpebholo was made with the aim of fostering unity and ensuring effective governance for Edo State.

Okojie who was joined in the briefing by her running mate, Deaconess Mabel Onaiwu, and Acting chairman of APC, Jarrett Tenebe, said, “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility, hope, and determination for our beloved Edo State.

“Today, I am making a pivotal decision that I believe is in the best interest of our state. I have chosen to step down from the governorship race and collaborate with the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

“Edo cannot afford another term of mismanagement, economic hardship, and insecurity so I decided to collapse my structure and join forces with the APC to change the narrative.

“The PDP has had its opportunity, but unfortunately, they have not succeeded in bringing the progress our state needs and after careful reflection, I realised that aligning with APC, under Senator Okpehbolo’s leadership, is the best path forward for the state.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo may not be known for grand oratory, but leadership is about action, not rhetoric. History has shown us that great leaders—like Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln—were often criticized for their speaking styles, but their strength and vision led their nations through difficult times.”

He added, “Senator Okpehbolo embodies this kind of leadership. He may not dazzle crowds with flashy speeches, but he is strategic, thoughtful, and deeply connected to his people. Behind the scenes, he has proven to me that he is a leader who listens, gathers the right people, and makes tough decisions for the good of Edo State. He is not driven by ego or power but by a sincere desire to improve the lives of Edo people.

“The power of collaboration by stepping down and joining forces with APC, I am not abandoning my promise to the people. On the contrary, I am fulfilling it in the most effective way possible. Action Alliance brings with it a grassroots structure of 65,000 members, with the capacity to mobilize at least 500,000 votes.

“This collaboration ensures that we can win this election decisively and bring the real change that Edo so desperately needs. My role will be to support Okpehbolo by managing media relations, countering unfair attacks, and ensuring that he can engage directly with the people, something he is fantastic at.”

In his remarks, Tenebe noted that after eight years of PDP non-performance, the party opted for a possible collaboration with other parties to form a government of unity, adding that the AA candidate’s joining forces with the APC was one of those arrangements.

He added that governance is about empathy, noting that anyone without empathy cannot be an instrument of development.

Politics

Edo 2024: Shettima, Akpabio, Ganduje rally support for Okpebholo (Photos)

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said Edo people stood to enjoy more dividends of democracy from the Federal Government if they vote in an administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State in the forth coming governorship election.

Senator Akpabio spoke on Saturday at an APC grand rally in Benin City, Edo State. The rally had in attendance the Vice-President, Kashim Shetima, the National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and about 12 Governors of the APC extraction among other dignitaries.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as urging Edo people to return the State to the Centre by voting for the APC candidates, Senator Monday Okpebholo Honourable Dennis Idahosa.

Senator Akpabio revealed that the Federal Government had awarded the contract for the construction of Auchi – Benin road for over N11 billion and work was ongoing and assured that more Federal projects will be executed in the State with an APC administration in the saddle.

According to Senator Akpabio, “My presence here today is to let you know that I have implicit confidence in the capacity of the duo of Senator Okpebholo and Honourable Idahosa as members of the National Assembly to bring the desired change to Edo and return the State to the path of progress.

“A vote for Senator Okpebholo is a vote for infrastructural renaissance in Edo State and end the present decay that the State is witnessing. The APC administration will bring about empowerment and employment to the youths and I urge you to join hands and return the State to the path of development,” he said.

Also speaking, Vice-President Shetima said the expectaions of the Nigerian people remain the same no matter their differences in ethnicity, gender or religion and assured that the Federal Government will ensure that more resources are put into the development of the States.

Former Governor of the State and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole lamented the present situation that Edo State has found itself after his exit as the Governor.

He said the administration of Mr Godwin Obaseki had destroyed the State and had only engaged in ground-breaking ceremonies and signing of memorandum of undertanding with nothing tangible to show for the homonguous allocation that had accrued to the State. He urged the people to vote massively for Senator Okpebholo to turn the tide around.

The rally witnessed the defection of high profile politicians in the State from other parties who were received by the APC National Chairman, Ganduje.

The team led by Vice-President Shetima had earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Oba of Benin His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II.