Politics
FCT Council Polls: Why LP Candidates are Excluded from participating-INEC
By Our Correspondent
Ahead of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council election on February 21st 2026,the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that candidates of Barr. Julius Abure-led Labour Party (PL) will not participate in the election based of pending legal suits.
The commission has in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday by Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi said that there is no Access Code authorising Abure-led LP to participate at the February 21st FCT Council election.
The statement further noted that given that the matter is subjudice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.
Recall that the party supporters of LP protested on Monday January 5th 2026 at INEC Headquarters Abuja, complaining about the exclusion of their candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and demanded for the issuance of access code to upload names of its candidates for the election.
The statement reads in part,”In response, the Commission wishes to state that the Labour Party has been enmeshed in prolonged internal leadership disputes since 2024, which culminated in the judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025 (Usman v. Labour Party) delivered on 4th April 2025.
“In that decision, the Apex Court unequivocally held that the tenure of the Barr. Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee had expired.
“Despite this clear pronouncement, the Abure-led faction purportedly conducted primaries for the August 16, 2025, bye-election nationwide and the FCT Area Council Election.
“It is also pertinent to recall that the Abure-led faction instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1523/2025– Labour Party v. INEC at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the decision of INEC excluding it from participating in the bye-election.
” Judgment was delivered on 15th August, 2025, dismissing the suit and enforcing the Supreme Court’s position that Barr. Julius Abure was no longer recognised as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and thus upholding the decision of INEC to exclude the Labour Party from the bye-election.”
Continuing the statement further added,”Thereafter, the Labour Party filed multiple suits against INEC in different courts, all seeking Orders compelling INEC to grant an access code for the upload of its candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026.
“These suits include Suit No. NSD/LF.84/2024 before the Nasarawa State High Court, Akwanga Division. When the matter at the Nasarawa State High Court got stalled, the Labour Party approached the Federal High Court Abuja in Suit No.
” FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025 seeking an Order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates and the matter is still pending before the Court.
“The Labour Party again approached the FCT High Court, Jabi Division in another fresh Suit No. CV/4792/2025 and filed a Motion seeking an Order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.
“The matter was adjourned, after INEC had filed its Reply, to 15th January 2026 for the hearing of the motion. One would have expected the Party to wait for the hearing of this motion, but the Labour Party filed another suit in Suit No. CV/4930/2025 before the FCT High Court, Life Camp Division, seeking the same relief to compel INEC to grant Access Codes to upload its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.
“By an Order Exparte in this latest Suit No. CV/4930/2025, the FCT High Court sitting in Life Camp, Abuja granted an interim Order on 16th December, 2025, directing the Commission to upload the names and particulars of the Labour Party candidates for the FCT Area Council Election. The Court expressly stated that the Order would lapse after seven days unless extended.
“Upon being served with the originating processes, INEC promptly filed its defence, challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the Court.
The interim Order consequently lapsed on 23rd December, 2025 and was not extended.
“Accordingly, there is presently no subsisting Court Order for INEC to act upon.
“Given that the matter is sub judice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.
“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as its Regulations and Guidelines, and will continue to hold political parties accountable to democratic standards and the Rule of Law in the conduct of their internal affairs.”
No Access Code for Abure-led LP
to contest FCT Council Polls amidst pending legal suits-INEC
Ignatius Okorocha, Abuja
Ahead of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council election on February 21st 2026,the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has maintained that candidates of Barr. Julius Abure-led Labour Party (PL) will not participate in the election based of pending legal suits.
The commission has in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday by Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi said that there is no Access Code authorising Abure-led LP to participate at the February 21st FCT Council election.
The statement further noted that given that the matter is subjudice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.
Recall that the party supporters of LP protested on Monday January 5th 2026 at INEC Headquarters Abuja, complaining about the exclusion of their candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and demanded for the issuance of access code to upload names of its candidates for the election.
The statement reads in part,”In response, the Commission wishes to state that the Labour Party has been enmeshed in prolonged internal leadership disputes since 2024, which culminated in the judgment of the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/56/2025 (Usman v. Labour Party) delivered on 4th April 2025.
“In that decision, the Apex Court unequivocally held that the tenure of the Barr. Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee had expired.
“Despite this clear pronouncement, the Abure-led faction purportedly conducted primaries for the August 16, 2025, bye-election nationwide and the FCT Area Council Election.
“It is also pertinent to recall that the Abure-led faction instituted Suit No. FHC/ABJ/1523/2025– Labour Party v. INEC at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the decision of INEC excluding it from participating in the bye-election.
” Judgment was delivered on 15th August, 2025, dismissing the suit and enforcing the Supreme Court’s position that Barr. Julius Abure was no longer recognised as the National Chairman of the Labour Party and thus upholding the decision of INEC to exclude the Labour Party from the bye-election.”
Continuing the statement further added,”Thereafter, the Labour Party filed multiple suits against INEC in different courts, all seeking Orders compelling INEC to grant an access code for the upload of its candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February, 2026.
“These suits include Suit No. NSD/LF.84/2024 before the Nasarawa State High Court, Akwanga Division. When the matter at the Nasarawa State High Court got stalled, the Labour Party approached the Federal High Court Abuja in Suit No.
” FHC/ABJ/CS/2110/2025 seeking an Order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates and the matter is still pending before the Court.
“The Labour Party again approached the FCT High Court, Jabi Division in another fresh Suit No. CV/4792/2025 and filed a Motion seeking an Order compelling INEC to issue Access Codes to its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.
“The matter was adjourned, after INEC had filed its Reply, to 15th January 2026 for the hearing of the motion. One would have expected the Party to wait for the hearing of this motion, but the Labour Party filed another suit in Suit No. CV/4930/2025 before the FCT High Court, Life Camp Division, seeking the same relief to compel INEC to grant Access Codes to upload its candidates for the FCT Area Council election.
“By an Order Exparte in this latest Suit No. CV/4930/2025, the FCT High Court sitting in Life Camp, Abuja granted an interim Order on 16th December, 2025, directing the Commission to upload the names and particulars of the Labour Party candidates for the FCT Area Council Election. The Court expressly stated that the Order would lapse after seven days unless extended.
“Upon being served with the originating processes, INEC promptly filed its defence, challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the Court.
The interim Order consequently lapsed on 23rd December, 2025 and was not extended.
“Accordingly, there is presently no subsisting Court Order for INEC to act upon.
“Given that the matter is sub judice, INEC will continue to respect the sanctity of the judicial process and await the final determination of the pending cases.
“The Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as its Regulations and Guidelines, and will continue to hold political parties accountable to democratic standards and the Rule of Law in the conduct of their internal affairs.”
By David Owei
As the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election enters its final 21 days, the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity will convene a Citizens’ Town Hall on the Osun Off-Cycle Governorship Election on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The Network comprises the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa.
The town hall is a non-partisan platform for dialogue between citizens and key electoral institutions towards strengthening public confidence and reinforcing electoral integrity.
Participants will include election management officials, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, organisations of persons with disabilities, media practitioners and citizens from across Osun State.
Running from 4pm to 7pm at Adolak Event Hall, Osogbo, the Town Hall will feature physical participation by invited guests only and will be broadcast live on ARISE Television, NTA, AIT and the Osun State Broadcasting Service, with livestreaming on the official YouTube channels of participating broadcasters and additional coverage by radio stations, newspapers and digital media platforms.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Olutoyin Babalola, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan will lead discussions on election preparedness and election security. They will be joined by representatives of women and persons with disabilities, while representatives of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and faith-based organisations will deliver goodwill messages.
Citizens participating both physically and online will have the opportunity to engage directly with key electoral stakeholders, interrogate critical issues relating to preparations for the governorship election and advance recommendations to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process.
Chairman of the Planning Committee and Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, said the Town Hall reflects the Network’s commitment to strengthening electoral governance through inclusive citizen engagement.
“Electoral integrity depends on informed citizen participation, institutional transparency and sustained multi-stakeholder engagement. The Citizens’ Town Hall provides a structured platform for constructive dialogue that strengthens public trust and reinforces collective accountability in the conduct of the governorship election.”
The Co-Chair of the Planning Committee and Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the Network views citizen engagement as critical to safeguarding electoral credibility.
“The quality of an election is determined not only by institutional preparedness but also by the extent to which citizens are able to engage the process in an informed and meaningful manner. This Town Hall provides an accountability interface between citizens and electoral stakeholders, helping to strengthen transparency, public confidence and the integrity of the electoral process.”
The Osun Citizens’ Town Hall builds on a series of citizen-focussed initiatives by the Network across Nigeria. The initiative commenced with a national dialogue on the Electoral Act 2026 in Abuja on March 1, 2026, before progressing to Ekiti State on May 24, 2026 ahead of the Governorship Election of June 20, 2026, the first conducted under the Electoral Act 2026. The Osun edition seeks to consolidate these gains through inclusive dialogue, institutional accountability and informed participation of citizens.
The Civil Society Network on Election Integrity is a coalition of leading Nigerian civil society organisations working to promote credible, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections. Through citizen engagement, policy advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the Network advances electoral integrity, democratic accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
By Our Correspondent
Presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress,( ADC), and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims on the Federal Government pension backlog as “unnecessary ghosting and futile political shadow chasing.”
Atiku in a statement by his media office on Friday, described the President’s remarks to visiting Northeast stakeholders led by Governor Babagana Zulum as an attempt to blame the Obasanjo/Atiku administration for problems it solved almost two decades ago.Offi e
“Both President Tinubu and his inept APC administration should seek more knowledge about good governance and developmental communication,” the statement said, adding that “Government is a continuum. A successor must inherit assets and liabilities.”
Atiku’s office recalled that when the Obasanjo/Atiku government took over in 1999, it inherited a broken, unfunded and non-contributory Defined Benefits Scheme with an estimated liability of over ₦2 trillion, about 25% of GDP at the time.
According to the statement, instead of blaming predecessors, the administration enacted the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and established the National Pension Commission, PenCom, leaving behind a fully funded, privately managed Contributory Pension Scheme when it exited in 2007.
The old Pay-As-You-Go model, the statement noted, depended on annual budgetary allocations that were grossly underfunded. It noted that the system created massive arrears, ghost pensioners, data inaccuracies and bureaucratic delays, while most private sector workers had no coverage at all.
“Under the reforms, the Obasanjo/Atiku government introduced mandatory contributions by both employers and employees into individual Retirement Savings Accounts, RSAs. It also institutionalized Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, to manage investments and Pension Fund Custodians, PFCs, to safeguard assets.”
The Atiku Media Office said the reforms stopped the accumulation of new un-backed pension debts and created the foundation for Nigeria’s pension assets, which have since grown into tens of trillions of naira. It accused Tinubu of failing to acknowledge that structure.
The statement further said the Obasanjo/Atiku administration laid the groundwork for the liberalization of the economy, including paying off foreign debt and creating enabling environments in banking, telecoms, hospitality and other sectors.
Atiku advised the President to focus on current challenges, adding, “Tinubu should focus on resetting the salient issues of hunger and anger in the land, caused by unabated insecurity, mass youth unemployment, a broken economy and the destruction of our political fabric,” the statement concluded.
By Our Correspondent
Following recent Enugu Air crash in Benin, Enugu State,governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway incident involving the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport, empathizing with the passengers and crew members over the traumatic experience.
Mbah, in a statement he personally signed, commended the aviation authorities for immediately initiating an investigation into the incident, saying that, for Enugu Air, safety remained non-negotiable.
In the statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the governor said, “The Enugu State Government is aware of the runway excursion incident affecting Enugu Air, Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating until the Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
“The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.
“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in embarking on the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities.
“While the outcome of the investigation is awaited, the government assures the public that the operations of Enugu Air are guided by the highest safety standards. The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule, and its quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold that is considerably higher than the industry benchmark.
“This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism, and a sense of hospitality.”
He thanked Nigerians for their support following the incident, as many continued to relive their pleasurable experiences flying the airline.
“The Enugu State Government wishes to express its profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he concluded.
OBYC Worldwide fault Ineife led IYC over planned protest against Bayelsà Industrialist. ….urges IYC to respect for Court Process
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving...
OBYC Worldwide fault Ineife led IYC over planned protest against Bayelsà Industrialist. ….urges IYC to respect for Court Process The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving Azikel Group President, Dr. Azibapu Godbless Eruani, CFR, and Mr. Kariyai Daukoru, describing the action as unnecessary while the matter remains before a competent court. OBYC, in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to newsmen, urged Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone Chairman, Comrade Peres Ineife, to suspend the proposed protest and allow the judicial process to run its course. It also appealed to the newly elected IYC Worldwide President, Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the parties involved in the Aviation Training initiative. OBYC maintained that Dr. Eruani’s aviation training initiative was a philanthropic programme designed to empower Bayelsa youths and rejected allegations that he intended to victimise anyone. The Council further called on Ijaw youths, political leaders and stakeholders to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law, and avoid actions capable of undermining the judiciary or disrupting peace.
By David Owei,Bayelsa The Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide has condemned the planned protest over the legal dispute involving...
More Talents Spotted in Bayelsa United/Prosperity Cup Tourney … As Competition Enters Matchday Three
By David Owei,Bayelsa The quest to return Bayelsa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL next season is...
Two Fishermen Fear Dead ln Bayelsa Ocean
By David Owei,Bayelsa Two fishermen have been declared missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Opu-Okumbiri in Brass...
NCDMB Commends Brentex on $50m Steel Pipe Facility, Assures of Industry Patronage
By David Owei The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded Brentex Petroleum Services Limited on the significant...
Osun Decides: Stakeholders Set for Citizens’ Town Hall to Promote Credible Poll*
By David Owei As the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election enters its final 21 days, the Civil Society...
i Tinubu, from Mama Akara to Mama Akwete
By Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a lucky man. He is a lucky husband and a lucky...
Withdraw Your Shoot-on-Sight Order, It’s Unconstitutional-HURIWA tells IGP
By George Mgbeleke Prominent pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has asked the...
Stop “Ghosting” And Fix Pension Crisis, Build On Reforms We Started-Atiku tells Tinubu
By Our Correspondent Presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress,( ADC), and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted...
Enugu Air: Gov. Mbah Reacts to Runway Incident, Says Safety Non-negotiable
By Our Correspondent Following recent Enugu Air crash in Benin, Enugu State,governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway...
-
Politics1 year agoGov Okpebholo moves to end Cultism *Threatens action against leading cult groups *Vows to demolish more cult houses in Edo State
-
Politics11 months agoASUU-NDU protest against FG loans, unpaid salaries,Non-Implementation of agreements …..says loans is generational slavery
-
Business & Economy11 months agoPC-NCG Issues Disclaimer on Purported Nigerian Coast Guard National Orientation Exercise In Anambra State
-
Entertainment2 years agoJubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
Sports5 months agoBayelsa-born ex-football star’s son, Opuama donates spike shoes to Athletics Association
-
General News2 years agoReps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
Law & Crime1 year agoLegal practitioner raises alarm over threat to his life by CSP Muhammed Abdulkareem
-
General News2 years agoCelebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri