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INEC Recognises Nenadi Usman-Led Caretaker Committee as Authentic Leadership of Labour Party

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In a significant development resolving the prolonged leadership crisis in the Labour Party (LP), a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the caretaker committee led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the legitimate authority representing the party.

The ruling, delivered on January 21, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu, declared that the tenure of Julius Abure as National Chairman had expired, in line with a prior Supreme Court judgment from April 2025.

The court affirmed the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee as the only valid body to act for and on behalf of the Labour Party, pending the conduct of a national convention.

The decision stems from ongoing factional disputes within the opposition party, which intensified after the 2023 general elections. Senator Usman was appointed as interim National Chairman in September 2024 to oversee the party’s affairs amid the turmoil.

Following the judgment, Senator Nenadi Usman stated that INEC’s implementation of the court order would ensure only one Labour Party appears on the ballot in future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls. “With the recognition by INEC, it means only one party, which is my party, would be on the ballot,” Usman said in an interview.

“There is no ambiguity about who the leader is, and only we can write to INEC to attend our primary elections or congresses.

“The ruling has been described by supporters of the Usman faction as a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and party stability. It directs INEC to treat all correspondence from Usman as valid and official, effectively sidelining the rival Abure faction.

The Abure-led group has reportedly indicated intentions to appeal the decision, maintaining their claim to the party’s leadership. However, the court dismissed arguments that the matter was purely an internal party affair.

This development is expected to streamline the Labour Party’s preparations for upcoming primaries, congresses, and the 2027 elections, potentially strengthening its position as a key opposition force. INEC is yet to issue a public statement confirming full compliance with the court directive, but stakeholders anticipate swift action to avoid further electoral complications.

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2027 polls: 50% Nigerians lack confidence in INEC — GoNigeria

GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.

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A public opinion survey conducted by GoNigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealed that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have no confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.

In a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, GoNigeria emphasised that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the organisation, four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property.

” These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.

Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whetherpower is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.

“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.

Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation.

These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.

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2027: Labour Party sets May 23 for presidential primaries

The communique, which was made public on Wednesday, stated that the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15th, 2026, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026.

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The Labour Party (LP) has set 23 May 2026, for its presidential primaries.

This was contained in a communique issued after a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The communique, which was made public on Wednesday, stated that the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15th, 2026, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026.

The party’s NEC also expressed satisfaction and ratified the actions of the National Leadership of the Party under the direction of Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026, respectively, as well as the National Convention slated for April 11, 2026.

The party’s NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the party after the National Convention, equally reviewed recent developments within the party.

Developments reviewed included the recent invasion of the Party Secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “certain rogue elements”.

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2027: Tinubu orders political appointees seeking elective offices to resign by March 31

These include “Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President…

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President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees serving in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.

The presidential mandate, which targets ministers, heads of agencies and aides, is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the country’s legal framework and maintaining the integrity of the upcoming electoral cycle.

The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation , referenced the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, clarifies that the resignation requirement applies to a broad spectrum of officials.

These include “Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President.

”The order further extends to “all Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies,” as well as any other political appointees seeking nomination for elective office.

President Tinubu emphasized that the measure is a necessary step to “ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.”

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