Peter Obi legally barred from contesting 2027 election on Labour Party platform, says interim chairman
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Senator Nenadi Usman, the Labour Party’s interim national chairman, stated that Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, would be legally unable to contest the 2027 election on the Labour Party platform. Usman explained in an interview with Arise TV that the Electoral Act mandates the party's register to close 21 days before primaries, after which it is submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, making late registration impossible. Usman acknowledged Obi's significant role in the party's 2023 success, noting that he had persuaded her and many others to join the Labour Party from the Peoples Democratic Party due to a belief in equity and fair play, particularly after the PDP failed to zone its presidential ticket to the south. The Labour Party has been experiencing a leadership crisis, with Usman's caretaker committee and the faction of former national chairman Julius Abure both claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court ruled in April 2025 that Abure's tenure had expired, and a Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered INEC to recognize Usman's committee. The Court of Appeal in Abuja recently affirmed Usman as interim chairman, though Abure plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. This internal conflict has led to defections, a reduced National Assembly presence, and a weakened grassroots structure for the party. Obi cited this turmoil as a reason for his departure. Usman's faction has since initiated membership revalidation and zoned the party's 2
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Dan Ulasi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, stated in an interview on Arise TV on Thursday that Nigerians would feel hopeful for the country if they engaged in private conversations with former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. Ulasi remarked that Obi possesses a clear concept of his objectives and how to achieve them for the benefit of the people. He confirmed that Obi had visited his residence four times in 2026, including recently after an appearance at Coal City University in Enugu. Ulasi mentioned that he has known Obi since his time as chairman of the National Republican Convention when Obi ran for the governorship of Anambra State. Ulasi also expressed his frustration with the PDP, stating that he does not believe the party, as currently constituted, can credibly challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, especially with Nyesom Wike as its national leader. He indicated that he would consider leaving the party if his concerns are not addressed.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC has criticized Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu's recent remarks commending President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, calling them misleading and out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerians. NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam stated in Abuja that the party also refuted claims that opposition parties in the country have become irrelevant. Kalu had expressed confidence in Tinubu's prospects for the 2027 general election and acknowledged improvements at the macro level while noting persistent challenges at the grassroots. The NDC dismissed Kalu's position, with Abdulsalam asserting that opposition forces are gaining momentum. The party condemned Kalu's comments regarding the state of the nation and the political realities of opposition parties, stating that the opposition's momentum will eventually overcome the ruling party. The NDC described Kalu's endorsement of the President's policies as unreflective of the truth and advised him, as a personal friend of the President, to speak truth to power given the challenges Nigerians face due to insecurity and failed economic policies. The party took exception to Kalu's statements declaring opposition parties in Nigeria as "dead and buried."
Dan Ulasi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that the party cannot effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 if Nyesom Wike remains its national leader. Speaking on Arise TV, Ulasi expressed his intention to leave the PDP if this contradiction is not resolved, emphasizing that Wike cannot support President Tinubu while holding a leadership position within the PDP. He questioned Wike's role if another candidate were to emerge as the PDP presidential flag-bearer for the 2027 election, asking if Wike would attend party conventions and rallies or those of the APC. Ulasi indicated that the next party meeting could be his last if he does not receive satisfactory explanations. He also confirmed that Peter Obi has visited him multiple times, praising Obi's vision for the country. Ulasi, who was present at the PDP's founding, stated that his attachment to the party runs deep, but if he were to leave, he would not join another political party, opting instead to serve as a private consultant.
Must ReadAfrica is projected to experience an 86 million tonne fuel shortfall by 2040, according to the Africa Finance Corporation AFC. The continent currently imports over 70 percent of its refined fuel and approximately $230 billion worth of essential goods annually. The AFC report, released in Nairobi, indicates that Africa's dependence on fuel imports will increase from 74 million tonnes in 2023 to 86 million tonnes in 2040. Rita Babihuga-Nsanze, the AFC's chief economist, highlighted that these imports, particularly for East Africa, are vulnerable to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impacted by the Iran war. The conflict has also exposed vulnerabilities in fertilizer supply, as a significant portion comes from the Gulf. Babihuga-Nsanze noted that Africa possesses 80 percent of the world's phosphate reserves but produces only 20 percent of the global stock, presenting an opportunity for the continent. The report suggests that addressing Africa's energy deficit requires new hubs and improved performance from existing assets, citing examples of underutilized hydropower in Angola and drought-affected dams in Zambia.