Pastor Funke Awolowo, late Obafemi Awolowo’s grand-daughter, has resigned her membership of the Labour Party Executive Committee in Lagos State.

Until her resignation, Awolowo was the party’s Head of Mobilisation and Integration Team in Lagos.

In a statement shared with Vanguard, the grandchild of the late sage said recent developments within the party made it increasingly difficult for her to continue her membership of the committee.

In the statement she signed and addressed to Dayo Ekong, Lagos State Chairman of the party, Awolowo said the integrity of the committee is being compromised, adding that the situation has damaged her reputation.

The statement read, “I am writing to formally resign my position as a member of the Lagos State Executive Committee, effective immediately.

“This decision comes after deep reflection and considerable personal introspection. Recent developments have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this role in good conscience.

“I have observed with growing concern that the integrity of the committee is being compromised and, regrettably, is being leveraged for purposes that conflict with the values and principles I hold dear.

“More troubling is the damage this has done to my personal reputation, as my name has been unfairly associated with actions and motives that I neither support nor condone.

“For years, I have served with sincerity and dedication, committed to the vision of impactful governance.

“However, when the purpose of service is blurred by personal interests and the space for integrity begins to shrink, it becomes necessary to step aside.”

Despite stepping away from her role, Awolowo maintained that her commitment to public service and the political process remains steadfast.

She said, “I believe in the promise of a better Nigeria and will continue to work toward that end in whatever capacity I am able. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have served and extend my thanks to all who made the experience worthwhile.”

Her resignation from her role in the Labour Party came four months after she appealed to all lovers of New Nigeria, Obidients, Afenifere, and Support Groups, to come together as a united force.

The former Minister of Finance and one-time Senator representing Kaduna South stated that it was “insulting” for Abure to continue presenting himself as party chairman, despite lacking both legal and institutional legitimacy.

“We state emphatically and without equivocation: Mr. Julius Abure is the former National Chairman of the Labour Party. His tenure and legitimacy have long since expired,” Usman said.

INEC Discredits Claims of Abure’s Recognition
Senator Usman referenced a statement posted via INEC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where the commission denied restoring Abure as the party’s chairman. She said this public disclaimer directly invalidates Abure’s recent assertions.

“This unambiguous disclaimer, issued in real-time and without delay, exposes the falsehoods and desperation that have continued to emanate from Mr. Abure and his collaborators,” Usman said.

Labour Party Not a Private Enterprise, Usman Warns
Senator Usman described Abure’s continued claim to the leadership as a “desperate move” lacking in moral credibility and contrary to the party’s democratic principles.

“The Labour Party is not a personal enterprise; it is a vehicle of democratic ideals, built and sustained by the collective will of the people,” she emphasized.

She urged members of the party, civil society, and the general public to disregard Abure’s claims, branding them fake news and a distraction from the party’s focus on transparency and justice.

Senator Usman reaffirmed her leadership and commitment to democratic values:

“As the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, I reaffirm our commitment remains rooted in integrity, transparency, and the rule of law—not in brigandage or media stunts. The era of impunity is over. The Labour Party belongs to the people, not to a cabal.”

Conclusion
The leadership tussle in the Labour Party continues to deepen as the internal power struggle between Julius Abure and the newly recognized leadership under Nenadi Usman draws national attention. With INEC distancing itself from Abure, the spotlight is now on how the party reconciles its factions ahead of future elections.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Again, three members of the House of Representatives from Katsina State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during plenary at the National Assembly today.

The defection was formally announced during plenary and has immediately altered the political composition of Katsina’s representation in the House.

Lawmakers who Defected: Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri – Representing Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency Hon. Aliyu Iliyasu Ruma – Representing Batsari/Safana/Danmusa Federal Constituency Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Dabai – Representing Bakori/Danja Federal Constituency

Defection Confirmed in House Plenary The Speaker of the House of Representatives formally acknowledged the defection letters submitted by the lawmakers. The legislators cited internal crises within the PDP in their respective constituencies and the inability of the party to uphold democratic principles as key reasons for their decision. Hon. Salisu Majigiri, a former chairman of the PDP in Katsina State, was considered one of the strongest opposition figures in the region. His move to the APC is seen as a major win for the ruling party, particularly ahead of future political calculations in the North-West.