The Labour Party (LP) faction led by Julius Abure has accused its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of orchestrating a plot to seize control of the party’s leadership structure for personal political gain.

In a statement on Thursday, LP National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, described a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened by Obi and Otti in Abuja as “illegal” and a violation of the party’s constitution.

He claimed the duo is working to destabilize the party’s leadership and undermine its internal democratic processes.

“At the end of their illegal meeting in Abuja, Obi led other party outlaws to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in an attempt to pressure the Commission to take unlawful action against the party leadership,” Ibrahim said.

He questioned the urgency of their visit to INEC, saying, “If the Supreme Court ruling truly supports them, why the rush to INEC to exert undue influence?”

Ibrahim also alleged that Obi and Otti offered a “soft landing” to National Chairman Julius Abure, proposing to elevate him to Chairman of the Board of Trustees—an offer that was rejected.

“Abure did not appoint himself chairman. It’s not about personalities; it’s about the supremacy of party organs and adherence to due process,” he stated.

He further warned that attempts to offer political patronage in exchange for structural control undermined the essence of internal democracy and good governance.

He said: “This sort of arbitrary behaviour is partly responsible for the poor state of governance in Nigeria.”

The LP Secretary alleged that the Abuja meeting included threats and plans to forcefully reclaim the party’s leadership—a move he described as “desperate” and unlawful.

Referencing a similar position from Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who has threatened to picket LP offices across the country, Ibrahim added, “Our response to Obi, Otti, and other renegades is clear: their plans amount to self-help. If they believe the law is on their side, they should follow due process.”

He maintained that only the National Secretary, in consultation with the National Chairman, is authorized to convene NEC meetings, a position upheld by a recent Supreme Court ruling.

“Obi and Otti lack the constitutional authority to convene such a meeting. Therefore, both the meeting and its resolutions are null and void,” he said.

The statement also dismissed the list of attendees circulated ahead of the meeting—which reportedly included the 2023 vice-presidential candidate, members of a so-called “National Caretaker Committee,” lawmakers, and representatives of the NLC and TUC—as illegitimate.

“There is no provision for a ‘National Caretaker Committee’ in our constitution. Nor can a governor or a former presidential candidate unilaterally summon a NEC meeting,” Ibrahim insisted

Gunmen in South Africa have abducted a US missionary from his church as he was delivering a sermon, police and a colleague said Friday.

Pastor Josh Sullivan was abducted late Thursday at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell outside the coastal city of Gqeberha in what appeared to be a kidnapping for ransom, a colleague told AFP.

“It is alleged that while a sermon was conducted at the church, four armed and masked male suspects entered the church,” police said in a statement.

“They robbed two cell phones and then took the 45-year-old male pastor with them and fled the scene.”

Reverend Jeremy Hall, a pastor also based in the southeastern city, told AFP the abduction was probably “financially related”.

Sullivan was holding a prayer meeting with about 30 people, including his wife and six children, when four kidnappers entered, Hall said.

“They knew him by name,” he said. They took him at gunpoint and forced him into his car and drove off. The abandoned car was recovered about 1.5 kilometres (under a mile) from the church.

Sullivan arrived in South Africa with his family from Tennessee in November 2018, according to his personal website.

The police anti-gang unit said a Chinese national was kidnapped Tuesday in the city, which is on the Indian Ocean and about 920 kilometres (570 miles) southeast of Johannesburg.

There were more than 17,000 kidnappings in South Africa in the 2023/2024 financial year, an 11-percent increase over the previous year, according to police statistics.

AFP

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has confirmed that his tenure as the head of Nigeria’s electoral body will come to an end later this year.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned eight power distribution companies (DisCos) for noncompliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.

A statement yesterday, NERC indicated that the affected DisCos are Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola.

NERC said the companies overbilled customers in violation of energy caps set by the regulator for the third quarter of 2024 (July to September).

The commission said the sanctions were issued pursuant to Section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act of 2023.

NERC stated: “The public may recall that in 2020, the Commission issued the Order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.

“A review of DisCos’ billing of unmetered customers for July – September 2024 (2024/Q3) revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the Commission.”

Due to the noncompliance, the Commission said the companies were fined a total of N628.03 million – an amount representing 5 percent of “the naira value of the gross overbilling during the period under review”.

The regulator said the DisCos have also been directed to issue “commensurate credit adjustments” to the affected customers by than May 15, 2025- the end of the April 2025 billing cycle.

NERC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and protecting electricity consumers within the Nigerian electricity supply industry (NESI).

Acting National Chairperson of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has promised to work for the unity and victory of the party.

Naija News reported that the former Chairperson of the Caretaker Committee of LP was appointed Acting National Chairman, during the party’s Wednesday’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

In a statement on Thursday, Senator Usman said the appointment was a call to responsibility.

The former Minister of Finance thanked the party’s stakeholders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for finding her worthy for the new position.

She added that the time for distraction had gone and promised to lead the party with openness and transparency.

It read: “Yesterday (Wednesday) marked a significant moment in the life of our great party, the Labour Party, as the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Townhall convened in Abuja. It was a gathering filled with purpose and clarity, and I was truly honoured to be present among eminent leaders and committed stakeholders — including my dear elder brother and grand leader, Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed; the leader of NEC, Governor Dr. Alex Otti; the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; elected National and State Assembly members, as well as representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), leaders of Obidient Movement and other patriotic Nigerians.

“The meeting was both timely and necessary, as we work collectively to fortify the foundations of our party, build unity among our ranks, and refocus on our enduring mission — building a New Nigeria that works for all.

“It is with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility that I accept the resolution passed at the NEC meeting, appointing me as the Acting National Chairperson of the Labour Party. I am grateful for the unanimous vote of confidence and for the trust you have placed in me to lead during this transitional period.

“We followed up this important milestone with a formal visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where we presented the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of our party’s leadership transition and communicated the outcome of our NEC proceedings.

“This is more than a procedural step — it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to due process, internal democracy, and the transparent governance that the Nigerian people rightfully expect from us.

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Labour Party, the leadership of the NLC and TUC, the Obidient Movement and every Nigerian who continues to believe in this movement. To our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, your steadfastness and integrity continue to inspire millions.

“I reaffirm my commitment to the values and vision that define the Labour Party — a party of the people, for the people. Now is not the time for distraction or division. Now is the time to build, with unity, courage, and a deep love for our country.

“Together, we will continue this journey of hope, and I pledge to serve with diligence, openness, and unwavering focus on our shared goals.

“Let us remain steadfast, engaged, and hopeful. The New Nigeria is not a dream deferred — it is a vision in progress.”

The abductors of Pastor Samson Ndah Ali of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Mararaba Aboro, located in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have freed him.

However, the kidnappers have reportedly retained the church’s financial secretary, Yusuf Shehu Ambi, who delivered the ransom to them.

Naija News understands that Pastor Ali, aged 30, was whisked away from his residence in the early morning hours of April 8, just two weeks after his church assignment.

The abductors had initially requested a ransom of ₦100 million.

An anonymous source, citing safety reasons, informed Daily Trust that the elderly church official had gone to deliver an undisclosed amount of money to facilitate Pastor Ali’s release but was subsequently detained by the kidnappers.

“The pastor was freed, but the kidnappers decided to detain the man who brought the ransom. We don’t know why, and the community is in shock,” the source said.

However, security authorities have yet to issue any response on the development as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has reported the successful rescue of a 400-level student at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Augustine Madubiya, who was kidnapped from an off-campus hostel.

Naija News understands that police operatives located and rescued the student in the Dakingari forest within the Suru Local Government Area after tracking the kidnappers.

Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Tafida, along with Police Commissioner Sani Bello and Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Zaiyan Muhammad, visited the site of the abduction at the off-campus hostel.

In announcing the rescue, the Deputy Governor emphasized the state’s dedication to ensuring the safety of students in all higher education institutions throughout Kebbi.

Tafida mentioned that the rescued student had been taken to a hospital for a medical assessment.

The State Commissioner of Police provided additional information, stating that the kidnappers abandoned the student due to ongoing pressure from law enforcement. He also confirmed that no ransom was paid for the student’s release

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the public to disregard a purported list of ambassadorial nominees currently circulating on social media, describing it as false and misleading.

In a statement issued recently, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, clarified that the appointment of ambassadors remains the exclusive prerogative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that no official nominations have been made.

“Kindly disregard the frenzy about the ambassadorial list,” the statement read. “Be rest assured that, when it is ready, Mr. President will transmit the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.”

The ministry assured Nigerians that the public will be duly informed through the appropriate channels once a legitimate list is finalized.

This clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s diplomatic representation, especially following the recall of all ambassadors in September 2023.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced that it will relocate its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Enugu due to the recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, and AGCPC Chair Emeka Obegolu (SAN), the association expressed that while there had been widespread excitement about Port Harcourt being the host city, the appointment of a sole administrator—who is a retired military officer—has created a situation that no longer allows the Garden City to host the conference.

The NBA stated that despite the soaring registration numbers indicating high enthusiasm for the event, the governing style of the sole administrator, which the association describes as military-like, has undermined democratic processes. The NBA noted that although the administrator is dressed in civilian attire, his command-style governance disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and ongoing litigation.

The statement read, “Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the conference.

“Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation.

“His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.”

It further stated that this development prompted members to demand a change in venue, leading to an emergency session of the NBA National Executive Council (NEC) on March 27, 2025. The meeting resulted in a unanimous consensus that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.

The NBA also expressed concerns that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State violated Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, and that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravened Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution.

The association argued that the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency, executed via a voice vote instead of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, amounted to a subversion of the Constitution.

In light of these undemocratic developments, the NBA concluded that Port Harcourt could no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC.

The statement emphasized that hosting the event in such conditions would amount to tacitly endorsing constitutional violations and the subversion of the rule of law.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to holding the 2025 AGC in a state where constitutional democracy is intact, announcing that the conference would now be held in Enugu, known as the historic Coal City.

The association expressed confidence that the city possesses the infrastructure to host a conference of such scale and that the relocation would not compromise their efforts to deliver a successful and impactful event.

This decision comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Following this, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the suspension period.

The President of the African Development Bank Akinwumi Adesina has expressed concerns over the migration phenomenon known as ‘Japa’ in Nigeria, saying that Nigeria and the African continent are the biggest losers to the ‘Japa’ trend.

Adesina who spoke on Thursday in an interview on Channels Television, said youths in Nigeria and other 51 countries in Africa don’t need freebies under the guise of empowerment schemes but capital to fund their ideas and translate the same into enduring wealth.

The former Nigerian Agriculture Minister said Africa’s youth swelling is a demographic asset that has to become an economic asset through rigorous investment in human capital development and financing.

According to him, Africa’s youth population was not a problem for the continent because India and China’s population have not been a problem for them, as it is what you do with your population and how you skill them up that matters.

The AfDB boss said that if young people in Africa are skilled with good jobs and social protection, these would turn to prosperity for the continent because the demography has high purchasing power.

He said that in a world of rising tariffs, it is important for Africa to build consumption as part of its gross domestic product.

“In the case of young people and the Japa syndrome, it’s a big loss for us. Young people don’t need freebies; they don’t need people saying: ‘I just want to give you an empowerment programme.

“They have skills, they have knowledge, they have entrepreneurship capacity, and they want to turn their ideas into great businesses. What young people need is not those empowerment programmes; they need capital, they need you to put your money at risk on their behalf.

“We have over 465 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35. Africa should not turn what should be its demographic asset into somebody else’s problem due to the inability to believe in young people and invest in their ideas for continental prosperity.

“I do not believe that the future of our young people lies in Europe; it doesn’t lie in America, it doesn’t lie in Canada, Japan, or China; it should lie in Africa growing well, growing robustly and able to create quality jobs for our young people,” he said.

The Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) has officially received former Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) chieftain, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naija News recalls that Jandor, the 2023 Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the PDP, resigned from the party on March 3, alleging indiscipline and betrayal by party leaders.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye, on Thursday in Lagos, Jandor said he was received by GAC members led by the chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

According to Jandor, the reception took place in Saudi Arabia.

He said, “In a significant show of unity and goodwill, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, Jandor, was warmly received by the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Badagry Division Apex Leader of APC and fellow GAC member, Chief Rabiu Oluwa; Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon; and Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

“The meeting, which was held during the Umrah pilgrimage, served as a symbolic moment of engagement between key stakeholders in Lagos politics, emphasising the importance of unity.

“This encounter reflects a shared commitment to the progress and unity of Lagos State, underscoring the enduring values of collective responsibility and synergy in the furtherance of the vision of the ruling party.”