politics

Beware of Illegal Congresses and Sale of Local Government Election,Says Hon. Seyi Sowunmi

Published

10 months ago

August 26, 2024

..Expression of Interest Forms in Labour Party, Lagos State
By way of introduction, my foray into politics is borne out of my passionate
desire to liberate our people from the stronghold of professional politicians.
I call them professional politicians because from generations to
generations, they have been in politics for their sole selfish and familial
interests with no benefit to the masses.
2023 presented a near perfect opportunity for me to serve the masses
when I saw that my ideological bias aligns with our leader, H.E. Peter Obi
and Labour Party. In Peter Obi, I saw a man who’s genuinely interested in
serving the masses and I believed Labour Party, as in its UK counterpart
where I lived for decades, was the appropriate vehicle being a party for the
masses.
The above led to my participation in the 2023 general elections and with
the massive support of my good people of Ojo, I am their elected
representative at the House of Representatives, Abuja. Shortly before that,
I was the Lagos State Chairman of Labour Party tasked to position our great
party for the 2023 general election. Mrs. Dayo Ekong was my deputy
woman leader at that time.
I am compelled by the virtue of my office as an elected representative of
my people and various complaints from within and outside my constituency
in Lagos State to issue this statement on some misleading information and
happenings in Labour Party Lagos State Chapter.
I have been inundated with calls and messages from my constituents and
other party faithful in Lagos State on the alleged congresses and selling of
forms for the upcoming local government election in Lagos State by the
Dayo Ekong led exco of Labour Party in Lagos State.
This press release is to set the record straight for all and sundry and prevent
them from losing their hard-earned money.
The Dayo Ekong led Exco of Labour Party in Lagos State was last
reappointed on 27 October 2023 for a period of 3 months. See attached
the appointment letter as certified by INEC. By the express provision of the
appointment letter, their tenure ended on 26 January 2024 and it has NOT
been renewed till date. Therefore, the Dayo Ekong led Exco is an impostor.
Indeed, there’s a court case at the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking court
orders, among other things, to set aside all the illegal activities of Mrs. Dayo
Ekong led Exco since the end of her tenure and to restrain her and cohort
from parading themselves as Labour Party State Excos for Lagos State. See
the attached court papers. The court case will also set aside all the illegal
caretaker excos appointed by her across all the local governments in Lagos
State. All the court papers have been served on her and she has not filed
any defence till date to the best of my knowledge.
I state categorically that upon the expiration of tenure of the Dayo
Ekong led State Exco on 26 January 2024, she and other exco
members lack the power to appoint local government excos, to
conduct any congress or sell any expression of interest or
nomination form for Labour Party in Lagos state.
I am also aware that Mrs. Dayo Ekong has been pressurizing Barr. Julius
Abure to write to INEC informing INEC that her tenure has been renewed
but Barr. Julius Abure is unwilling to write to INEC because it’s being alleged
that INEC does not recognize Barr. Julius Abure as National Chairman due
to his failure to follow due process.
As a party, we cannot be criticizing the appetite of the Nigerian state for
lawlessness while we are guilty of or encouraging the same disregard for
due process or rule of law within our great party. We must right the wrongs
starting within our party by entrenching and respecting due process in our
dealings.
In view of the above, I therefore urge all Labour Party members, supporters
and aspirants wishing to contest under the umbrella of our great party to
be wary of buying any form to contest for the forthcoming local government
election in Lagos State and not to participate in any kangaroo congresses
being organized by a charlatan group as I strongly believe that the court
being the last hope of the common man will right all the wrongs being
perpetuated in Labour Party, Lagos State.

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politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

Post Views: 464

politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

3 weeks ago

May 26, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

Post Views: 162

politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

4 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

NewsThumb Magz

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

Post Views: 466