Politics
Court Orders INEC to Recognise Labour Party Candidates for Saturday’s By-Election

A High Court in Nasarawa State has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord exclusive recognition to Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the authentic leadership of the Labour Party ahead of tomorrow’s by-election and Federal Capital Territory council elections.
The court, presided over by Hon. Justice Mustapha A. Ramat, granted an interlocutory order on July 23, 2025, directing INEC to grant access code to the Abure-led National Working Committee to upload the names and particulars of all nominated candidates for the by-elections and FCT Area Council elections.
In a press statement made available to journalists by Dr Arabambi Abayomi stated that Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, commended the court’s intervention, describing it as a welcome development.
He expressed hope that INEC will comply with the order and publish the names of Labour Party nominees without further delay.
Recall that INEC has refused to publish the names of the nominated candidates by the Labour Party in a bye-election scheduled to hold on Saturday as well as the FCT council elections scheduled for early 2026.
Ifoh expressed disappointment that Labour Party candidates have been denied equal opportunity and time to campaign, alleging a systemic attempt by INEC to hinder the party’s participation in elections.
According to Obiora Ifoh, “We received this intervention with a heart full of gratitude. We are however hoping that INEC as a law abiding institution, will do the needful by formally publishing the names of our nominees for the bye election and the FCT council elections without further delay.
“We are however not happy that our candidates have not been giving equal opportunity and time to campaign like other political parties. As it stands now, our candidates, due to reasons not of theirs were prevented from campaigning.
” This is clearly a systemic route orchestrated by INEC to perpetually prevent Labour Party and their candidates from favourably participating in elections. Recall that in Ondo state, INEC granted Labour Party’s governorship candidate access code barely 24 hour to the election. This has become a norm and we will not take such treatment any longer”.
“Finally, we urge our candidates not to be undaunted or dismayed by these glaring limitations. Labour Party is a household name. We expect nothing but victory in all these contested offices. We also call on members of the party in the affected states to once more show their indomitable and ‘never die spirit’ to return our candidates.”
Politics
Osoba Dismisses Godfatherism Claims, Says Relationship with Abiodun Is Built on Mutual Respect

Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has described his relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun as cordial, respectful, and devoid of political interference.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists in Abeokuta, Osoba said the absence of godfatherism in Ogun State politics stems from the mutual understanding and harmony between himself and the governor.
He noted that since the inception of the current administration in 2019, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in governance.
According to the Akinrogun of Egbaland, he has neither pressured the governor nor made recommendations regarding appointments or placements in government.
“I have never suggested anyone to be appointed into any office, nor have I influenced the running of the government in any form,” he stated.
Osoba, a former national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that his relationship with the governor is anchored on mutual respect rather than patronage.
He explained that he accords Abiodun the respect due to his position as the state’s Chief Executive, and that respect is reciprocated.
“I respect him as the Chief Executive Officer and the current father of the state, and he returns that respect to me,” Osoba said, adding that this understanding has contributed significantly to the peace and stability being enjoyed across Ogun State.
He maintained that the harmony between them has translated into effective governance and a calm political atmosphere, dismissing insinuations of godfatherism as unfounded.
Politics
Gov Abiodun Leads Major APC Strategy Meeting in Abeokuta

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed plans to hold an Extended Stakeholders Strategic Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, by 2:00 p.m.
The meeting is expected to convene key party leaders and stakeholders across the state, including former Governors and Deputy Governors, former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, serving and former members of the Federal Executive Council from Ogun State, as well as serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies.
Also expected are members of the State Executive Council and other major stakeholders of the party.
According to a statement from the party, the strategic gathering will be presided over by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, MFR, as part of efforts to strengthen party unity and chart future political strategies.
The State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, urged all invited stakeholders to attend in party attire, stressing that attendance is strictly by invitation.
Politics
Ogun at 50: IPAC Celebrates Five Decades of Political Growth, Unity, Landmark Achievements

The Ogun State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated the good people of Ogun State on the occasion of the state’s anniversary, urging residents to remain united, resilient and committed to the collective progress of the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of IPAC, the Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, described the celebration as a moment of reflection on Ogun State’s rich history, remarkable achievements and the shared sacrifices of its people across generations.
Comrade Sanyaolu commended Ogun indigenes at home and in the diaspora for their resilience, enterprise and contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the state, noting that Ogun’s reputation as a centre of excellence was built on unity of purpose and hard work.
According to him, the diversity of political opinions and party affiliations in the state should not be a source of division, but rather a strength that deepens democracy and good governance.
“As political parties, we may differ in ideology and approach, but we are united by a common destiny as Ogun people. This celebration should remind us that peace, unity and mutual respect are essential for sustainable development,” the IPAC chairman said.
He called on political leaders, party members and citizens to embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement, especially as the state continues to pursue development and democratic consolidation.
Comrade Sanyaolu also urged youths and stakeholders to remain hopeful and steadfast, stressing that resilience in the face of challenges has always been a defining attribute of Ogun people.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful political processes, issue-based politics and cooperation among political parties in the overall interest of Ogun State.
The council concluded by wishing all Ogun indigenes a joyful celebration and a future marked by peace, progress and shared prosperity.
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