The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, has extended heartfelt birthday felicitations to the former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

In a statement released on Friday, Senator Usman described Peter Obi as “a brother, friend, and leader,” noting his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the vision of a new Nigeria that works for all.

“With profound joy and heartfelt delight, I extend my warmest felicitations to my brother, friend and leader, His Excellency, Peter Obi, on the occasion of his 64th birthday anniversary,” she stated.

Usman praised Obi’s courage, humility, and resilience, even in the face of recent political setbacks and national challenges. She urged him not to relent in his pursuit of good governance, describing him as a symbol of hope to millions of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

“Millions of Nigerians have come to see in you a flicker of hope in a nation that appears adrift, plagued by the incompetence of those entrusted with its leadership,” she added. “I am confident that with steadfastness and focus, this hope will, in no distant time, be fully realised.”

She concluded the message by praying for more healthy and fulfilling years for Obi and reiterated her congratulations on behalf of the Labour Party.

Peter Obi, who turned 64 today, has continued to attract admiration for his principled stand on leadership, governance, and national transformation.

Alh. Dr. Muhammed Maikaya, a prominent figure in Nasarawa State politics, has thrown his hat into the ring, expressing his interest in running for the governorship seat in the 2027 election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development has generated significant interest and excitement among party members and the public.

Dr. Maikaya’s decision to seek the governorship is built on his legacy of service and dedication to the people of Nasarawa State. Since the emergence of the CPC and later APC, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service, earning recognition and respect from party members and the public.

In a show of respect for the party’s structure and processes, Dr. Maikaya has sought the party’s nod for his gubernatorial bid. This move underscores his understanding of the importance of party unity and support in achieving electoral success.

The party’s response to Dr. Maikaya’s aspiration has been overwhelmingly positive, with leaders expressing confidence in his ability to succeed. The Chairman of Toto Local Government Council APC, Alh. Shuaibu Ahmed (Katukan Toto), has publicly spoken well in view of Dr. Maikaya’s bid, citing his relationship with the aspirant as an in-law and his impressive track record.

His aspiration is seen as a message of hope for the people of Nasarawa State. His vision for the state’s development and his commitment to public service have resonated with many, positioning him as a leader who can bring about positive change.

As Dr. Maikaya embarks on his journey to the governorship, he faces a challenging road ahead. However, with the support of his party and the people of Nasarawa State, he is well-positioned to make a strong showing in the 2027 election. The party’s encouragement and endorsement are testaments to his strength as a candidate.

With the party’s support and the confidence of the people, Dr. Maikaya is poised to shine in his bid for the governorship. The outcome of his aspiration remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – he has the momentum and the support to make a significant impact.

The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups (CCRG) has condemned the planned protest on Monday, July 21, 2025, to advocate for the welfare of retired members of the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Secretary of the Coalition, Abe Emmanuel Kolawole, said the protest is not in good faith nor in the interest of the Nigerian people.

Kolawole warned the convener of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, to stop exploiting legitimate national concerns as a cover for a deeper, politically motivated campaign aimed at destabilising the country and discrediting the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “At the forefront of this charade is Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a serial presidential aspirant, publisher of Sahara Reporters, and a defeated candidate in the last presidential election.

“Sowore, who has once again declared interest in the 2027 elections, is not acting in good faith nor the interest of the Nigerian people.

“Rather, he is exploiting legitimate national concerns as a cover for a deeper, politically motivated campaign aimed at destabilising the country and discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Let it be stated: the so-called protest planned for Monday is not a civil society action; it is a carefully disguised political sabotage attempt, driven by ambition, desperation, and a brazen disregard for national security.

“We, the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups, hereby condemn in the strongest possible terms this planned protest and all actors behind it. We find it utterly irresponsible and provocative that Sowore and his cohorts have resorted to mobilising retired officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force through misinformation and deceit.

“They are painting a false narrative, suggesting that this protest is solely about improving police welfare. In reality, it is a calculated political assault targeted at the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the presidency.

“We must state for the record that matters of salaries, pensions, and welfare of police officers, both serving and retired, are constitutionally the responsibility of relevant federal institutions, including the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and the Ministry of Finance.

“The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is not the approving authority for pensions or salary structure, and it is misleading to hold him accountable for issues outside his constitutional purview.

“It is therefore dishonest, wicked, and an act of dangerous propaganda for Sowore and his collaborators to incite unrest in the country using retired officers who deserve peace and dignity, not political manipulation.

“We urge retired officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as pawns in the selfish quest of a few failed politicians.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us, and while we will continue to advocate, peacefully and constructively, for improved welfare and justice for all law enforcement and military personnel, we will not fold our arms while a few desperate individuals plot to undermine our democracy and national unity under the banner of protest.

“The Coalition wishes to remind Mr. Sowore and his backers that Nigeria is governed by laws, and no one has the monopoly of street action or public sentiment. If any group attempts to destabilise the peace of our country under any guise, the people of Nigeria will resist it with equal resolve.

“We call on all civil society organisations, retired security personnel, and peace-loving Nigerians to dissociate themselves from this deceitful protest.

“True civil society is not an extension of any politician’s ambition. True activism is rooted in integrity, accountability, and patriotic commitment to justice, not in blackmail, manipulation, or mob incitement.

“Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful advocacy for better policing, better governance, and the protection of human rights.

“But we will also remain vigilant and ready to confront anyone, regardless of status or political leaning, who attempts to throw Nigeria into chaos for personal gain.”

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party held a crucial meeting on Friday, 18th July 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Convened in accordance with the Labour Party Constitution and in line with the Supreme Court judgement of April 4, 2025, which affirmed the end of Barr. Julius Abure’s tenure, the meeting marked a new phase in the party’s internal restructuring.

The gathering was attended by statutory NEC members, the Board of Trustees (BoT), leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), among other key stakeholders. At the conclusion of extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted and issued as the official communiqué:

1. Ratification of Interim National Leadership
The NEC ratified and inaugurated an Interim National Working Committee (INWC) with Senator Nenadi E. Usman as Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Secretary. The move formally sets aside previous claims to the national leadership.

2. Approval of Congress and Convention Timetable
The NEC approved a comprehensive schedule for conducting Ward, Local Government Area, State, Zonal Congresses, and a National Convention. The National Secretariat was mandated to release detailed guidelines and timelines to ensure inclusive, transparent, and democratic processes.

3. Establishment of Statutory Committees
To facilitate nationwide membership revalidation and registration of new members, the NEC approved the constitution of statutory committees. These committees will collaborate with State Chairmen, the National Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders. The Secretariat is to publish the full list of members.

4. Election Preparedness
The NEC reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to fielding credible candidates in the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election and various scheduled by-elections. The INWC was directed to liaise with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in strict adherence to the Electoral Act 2022.

5. Reaffirmation of Internal Democracy and Party Discipline
The NEC emphasized its dedication to internal democracy, the rule of law, and the supremacy of the party’s constitution. It also warned against parallel party structures or activities that contradict official resolutions.

6. Appeal for Unity and Reconciliation
The Council appealed to all members and supporters to put aside personal differences and work together to strengthen the Labour Party as a people-oriented and ideologically driven platform for national transformation.

7. Call on INEC and Security Agencies
The NEC urged INEC and security agencies to remain neutral, professional, and committed to delivering credible elections in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

8. Adoption and Dissemination of Communiqué
The communiqué was adopted as the official record of decisions taken at the meeting and will be circulated to party organs, INEC, the media, and the general public.

Signatories to the Communiqué include:

H.E. Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, Executive Governor, Abia State

H.E. Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor, Abia State

Chief S.O.Z Ejiofoh, Chairman, BoT

Alhaji Salisu Mohammed, Secretary, BoT

Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC

Comrade Deborah Yusuf, NLC National Woman Leader

Comrade General N. A. Toro, PhD, mni, Secretary, TUC

Senator Nenadi E. Usman, Interim National Chairman

Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, General Secretary, NLC

Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President, TUC

Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Interim National Secretary

This decisive move is seen as a significant step towards repositioning the Labour Party ahead of key national elections.

The Obidient Movement has condemned what it describes as “dangerous and divisive rhetoric” by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, following the circulation of a video in which the governor allegedly warned Mr. Peter Obi never to set foot in Edo State without prior notification.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, the movement described the governor’s remarks as a clear affront to the constitutional rights of all Nigerian citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement reads, “Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely and reside in any part of the country.”

The Obidient Movement emphasised that it is both “disturbing and constitutionally indefensible” for any state governor to issue threats or place unlawful restrictions on the movement of a citizen, particularly one like Mr. Obi, whose visits to various states have been humanitarian and non-political in nature.

The group also expressed concern over what it sees as a troubling pattern of hostility, recalling a similar threat previously made by the Governor of Benue State against the former Anambra governor.

“In both instances,” the group noted, “Mr. Obi was offering goodwill and humanitarian assistance to communities left underserved by their state administrations.”

The statement further warned that these threats should not be taken lightly, stating, “Should anything untoward happen to His Excellency Peter Obi, Nigerians should know where to look. Governors are the chief security officers of their states, and their utterances have serious implications.”

The Obidient Movement called on Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to take note of what it called “the rising tide of political intolerance and reckless speech” that could endanger national unity and public safety.

“Nobody, no matter how highly placed, has the right to threaten or intimidate fellow Nigerians. Nigeria belongs to us all,” the statement concluded.