The INEC team, led by Mallam Mansur Hassan, said it was on a mission to verify claims made by the party about its physical and leadership structures and membership as well as tenancy or ownership of the secretariat building.

In his remarks, Hassan said: “We are INEC monitors, we are not observers. We are here to monitor and correct things, not observe.

“We want to verify the presence of members of the party executive (committee) in line with the commission’s records; we want to verify.

“We also want to verify the composition of the National Working Committee, as it is contained in the Labour Party Constitution.

“We want to have a look at evidence of the tenancy of this place (party secretariat). The tenancy agreement, receipt of ownership or possession. We will sight the document and have a copy of it.

“We will also like to have a soft copy of the party’s membership register. We will also like to verify the secretariat staff: are they present or is the party working with just one person.

“Again, we are going to divide ourselves into groups to verify what is happening within the party.”

Speaking earlier, the Interim National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, expressed gratitude to the INEC team for the visit, stating that the party leadership was intact and ready for the exercise.

Usman also thanked members and supporters for keeping faith with the party throughout its turbulent period which, she said, was now in the past.

“I know that most people found it difficult to come here today because our congresses are starting tomorrow (Thursday) and all politics is local.

“I have always said the party is not about me, it is not about anybody. We need to build a strong foundation for our party; whatever it takes to do that, we will do it.

“Irrespective of anybody’s feeling or what they think about what we are doing, without a strong political party, we really cannot any meaningful progress.

“For some, I know they will be feeling very bad that those who fought us are now coming back, we have extended the olive branch.

“We will continue to invite everybody, even those who were aggrieved, to please come back and let’s work together because we want the party to be the biggest party in this country,” she said.

According to her, all hands must to be on deck now to rebuild the party.

“We love you and we know you love the party. So, let’s put aside all that has been bothering us about who leads and who does not lead.

“Leadership will come and go; nobody can lead forever. Today is my turn as leader and after sometime, I will go and then somebody else will come and lead.

“Leaders will come and go; the party will remain. About the judgment we got in court yesterday (Tuesday), it is no victor, no vanquished,” she said.

Our correspondent reports that Usman later handed over a set of files containing some of the documents requested by the INEC team.

She later took the team round the offices and conference rooms within the secretariat building.

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The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming congresses in all the states of the federation.

Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, made these known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the party had earlier announced the timetable for its congresses, with ward congresses scheduled for April 23, local government congresses, April 24 and state congresses April 26.

According to Asogwa, the sub-committees, made up of experienced and respected party members, have been constituted to oversee the conduct of the congresses in their respective states.

He listed the chairmen to include: Iheanacho Obioma (Abia); Francis Kim (Adamawa); Ekong Solomon (Akwa Ibom); Chief Tony Asuoha (Anambra); Malam Mustapha Adamu (Bauchi); Beredugo Ebimonyo (Bayelsa) and Chief John Ochoga (Benue).

Others are: Urom Iyang (Cross River); Chuks Onitsha (Delta); Chief Mitchell Nwabueze (Ebonyi); Dr Saliu Edogiawerie (Edo); Usman Mohammed (Niger); Owolabi Ezekiel (Ogun); Charles Afolabi (Ondo); Balogun Ibrahim (Osun); Babatunde Yusuf (Oyo); Fakorede Matthew (Ekiti) and Dr David Ogba (Enugu).

Also included are: Adoga Knaabayi (Gombe); Chinagorom Nwankpa (Imo); Mustapha Garba (Jigawa); Dr Emmanuel Barau (Kaduna); Kabiru Said (Kano); Pastor Ishaku Izang (Plateau); Amaobi Ogah (Rivers); Prof. Muhamuda Muhammad (Sokoto); Jesse Williams (Taraba); Mukhtar Hassan (Yobe) and Haila Baja (Zamfara).

Also, Ismail Bello (Katsina); Muh’d (Birnin Kebbi); Samuel Ajare (Kogi); Bodunde Adebayo (Kwara); Chukwuemeka Ogbanna (Lagos); Dr Muttaqa Yushau (Nasarawa) and Rose Uba-Anarah (FCT).

Asogwa quoted the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, as urging the chairmen and members to carry out their responsibilities with utmost fairness, transparency and integrity.

Usman reminded them of the party’s core values of equal opportunity and social justice, urging them to reflect these principles in the discharge of their duties.

She stressed the need for diligence and commitment, noting that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the congress process.

The statement assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth, successful, and hitch-free convention.

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This is contained in a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signed by the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman and released to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Usman, the letter is to notify the Commission of the approved schedule of activities for the Labour Party 2026 Elective Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State Congresses, as well as the National Convention.

She said the letter was in pursuant to the provisions of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended);

The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, and Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The interim national chairman said the section mandated political parties to duly inform the commission of their congresses, conventions, and meetings.

“The Commission may kindly recall that the Party, in an earlier correspondence duly acknowledged, notified the Commission of the postponement of its previously scheduled activities to enable broader participation of members.

“Particularly, to allow for the completion of the ongoing digital membership registration process.

“Accordingly, the party has now approved a new timetable for the conduct of its Elective Congresses and National Convention.

Usman said the conduct of ward congresses will hold on April 23, local government congresses April 24 and state congresses, April 25 respectively.

“While the national convention has been scheduled for April 28 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia.”

She urged the Commission to draw the attention of its state offices to the notice to enable effective and seamless monitoring of the congresses and convention in line with its constitutional and statutory mandate.

Usman assured of the party’s continued commitment to the democratic development of Nigeria.

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Onuigbo told our correspondent in Abuja on Wednesday that he would invest his rich legislative and administrative experience into his responsibilities if elected into the senate.

Onuigbo is seeking election into the upper legislative chamber to represent Abia Central Senatorial District.

He had previously represented Ikwuano/Umuahia South/Umuahia North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives during which he championed the passage of the Climate Change Bill which was signed into an Act.

“I say these with every sense of modesty, but most importantly to put it on record that the mandate I seek as senator is not for selfish aggrandisement.

“Rather, I feel elated that I am not only doubly qualified to serve our zone as senator, but also confident to bring you honour and accomplished representation.

“I am bold to say that my journey to the Nigerian Senate is to invest my rich experience and reflect hope as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he told NAN.

Onuigbo said at this point in its history, Nigeria required selfless leaders and those with the intellectual capacity to graft laws that would make the country stand out among comity of nations.

He recalled that during his time at the House of Representatives, he facilitated the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene federal road.

He said he also facilitated the design of the Umuahia-Umudike 16 Kilometres Dualisation Project with an interchange from Amachara to Ossa Ibeku.

Onuigbo said he also facilitated the construction of a Federal Secretariat in Abia and erosion control work at Ukwudara Amankwo Ezeleke, Amachara, Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area, among others.

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The Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Asogwa also disclosed that the party had also inaugurated a Planning Committee to see to the planning of the events.

Recall that, according to the party’s previously released timetable, ward congresses were slated for March 26, 2026.

This is followed by local government congresses on March 28, state congresses on March 31, while the national convention was scheduled to hold on April 11, 2026.

According to Asogwa, the change of dates for the activities arose from a combined stakeholders’ meeting involving members of the Interim National Working Committee (NWC) and representatives of the labour unions.

He said the party resolved to shift the exercise in order to provide ample opportunity for members and prospective Nigerians to participate fully in the ongoing membership re-registration exercise.

“As part of efforts to ensure a seamless and credible process, the party has also inaugurated a 45-member Congresses and Convention Committee.

The committee is chaired by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, member representing Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

“Other members of the committee include Comrade Salisu N. Mohammed, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Hon. Amaobi Ogah, Hon. Ibe Okwara, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh.

“Hon. Alozie Munachim Ikechi, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Comrade Lawson Osagie, Mrs. Imaobong Ufot, among others.”

He said while inaugurating the committee, the National Chairman of the party, Sen.Nenadi Usman, charged members to discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, impartiality, and commitment.

She urged them to take full advantage of the postponement to ensure that all necessary preparations were thoroughly completed, guaranteeing hitch-free congresses and convention.

The party appealed to its members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its teeming supporters nationwide for their understanding regarding this adjustment.

It said that a new timetable would be communicated in due course.

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Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Asogwa said this was part of the approved the timetable for the conduct of the party’s primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said that the timetable was fixed at a statutory NEC meeting observed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Asogwa said the party, in compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, also approved April 15 for submission of membership register to INEC.

He also said that the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries would hold on May 15.

Asogwa added that NEC ratified the actions of the party’s national leadership regarding the conduct of ward, local government and state congresses on March 26, March 28 and March 31 respectively.

According to him, the national convention has been scheduled for April 11.

“The council, which remains the highest decision-making organ of the party after the national convention, reviewed recent developments within the party.

“This included the recent unfortunate invasion of the party secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by certain rogue elements,” he said.

Asogwa said that the Board of Trustees (BOT), following a review of a report and recommendations of the Peace, Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Salisu Mohammed (BOT Secretary), had suspended some members.

He said that the affected members were suspended for alleged acts of indiscipline, anti-party activities and complicity in the desecration of the party’s national secretariat:

“NEC further ratified and approved the ongoing expansion of the party’s membership register through a hybrid approach – Digital Membership Registration (e-registration) – alongside manual registration in rural communities.

“This initiative is aimed at modernising the party’s database, strengthening participatory democracy and enhancing transparency and efficiency in party administration, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026,” he said.

The media aide further stated that Labour Party’s NEC had resolved that all existing vacancies within party structures should be filled through the appointment of interim leadership to ensure continuity in administration.

“The national leadership has been duly empowered to make such appointments, which will remain in acting capacity pending the conduct of substantive congresses in accordance with the party constitution and approved timetable.

“The council also urged members to utilise the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address grievances, thereby promoting unity and minimising internal conflicts.

“Finally, NEC welcomed the recent judgment of the Federal High Court affirming the leadership of Sen. Nenadi Usman as Interim National Chairman.

“The council passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, the Interim National Working Committee, the BOT, leadership of the NLC, leadership of the TUC and the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti,” he said.

Asogwa commended INEC for its prompt compliance with the court pronouncement.

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Usman said this at the unveiling of the Labour Party’s Online Registration Portal on Monday in Abuja.

She said the party had learnt lessons from previous elections, adding that the ongoing electronic registration would address earlier challenges.

“The party aims to ensure that grassroots members and union affiliates are actively involved in elections, improving transparency and accountability,” Usman said.

Usman assured that the party would meet the timeline in the Electoral Act, 2026, for submission of its digital membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is an opportunity to enable all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to register as bona fide members without traveling to physical offices.

“Registrants will select their home states, ensuring that membership records are accurate and verifiable.

“Members can register from anywhere and download their membership cards,” she added.

Usman disclosed that the registration portal had been tested and earlier technical issues resolved.

She added that registration on the platform was free and did not require any payment.

Usman urged Nigerians to visit the portal, complete their registration and print their membership cards.

“The Labour Party aims to finalise the registration process swiftly, enabling preparation for the 2027 elections.

“The focus is on grassroots mobilisation, ensuring active participation and strengthening the party’s infrastructure nationwide,” she said.

Usman also said the portal was equipped with security features to protect it from cyber attacks.

Speaking on alleged factions, a member of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Lawson Osagie, said there was no division in the party.

Osagie said the Labour Party remained guided by the Supreme Court judgment on its leadership.

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This is contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Obiora Ifoh, and made available to our correspondent on Wednesday in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that the Interim National Chairman, Nenadi Usman and her team had, on Tuesday, officially took over the party’s national secretariat.

Usman, while addressing newsmen, had said that the action followed the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025.

She assured party members and supporters nationwide of renewed efforts to strengthen and reposition the party for national relevance.

However, Ifoh, in his statement, said that the alleged invasion of the party secretariat was aided by eight truck-loads of policemen.

He said that party officers and staff members were refused entrance by the security agents, adding that only members of the Usman interim leadership were given access into the secretariat.

Ifoh also claimed that the ‘invasion’ took place around 1 a.m. on Tuesday to pull down party’s billboards, replacing them with that of Usman.

He said that the Abure-led leadership was dumbfounded by the invasion of the secretariat, accompanied by Usman herself and the Abia Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu.

“When some of our senior officials came to the office in the morning, we were prevented by the police. We refused to confront them to avoid clashes and confrontations, choosing a peaceful approach.

“It is on record that a Federal High Court in the FCT gave a judgment which recognised Sen. Usman as the interim chairman of Labour Party,” he said.

Ifoh further stated that the party leadership had obtained a stay of execution and had since appealed the judgment.

He argued that it was, therefore, inappropriate and needless for any group to resort to self-help by illegally breaking into the party secretariat.

“We are, by this statement, calling on the police, Department of State Security, Office of the National Security Adviser and other relevant agencies to take note of the unlawful invasion of our party secretariat.

“If this anomaly is not checked, it is a pointer that our democracy and its institutions are being threatened.

“We are also calling on our party faithful to remain vigilant, as the party leadership is doing everything within the law to ensure that justice is not denied the party,” Ifoh said.

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The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report was released on Tuesday in Abuja by CISLAC and other accountability partners.

It showed Nigeria dropped two places globally, falling from 140th position in 2024 to 142nd out of 180 countries assessed.

CISLAC said the ranking reflected limited progress in tackling systemic corruption despite repeated reforms and enforcement actions by government institutions.

The report noted that anti-graft agencies recorded activities, but outcomes failed to translate into improved public trust or stronger institutional credibility.

Speaking on the report, CISLAC Executive Director, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, said Nigeria recorded only modest improvements in specific areas.

Rafsanjani attributed the marginal gains to improved asset recovery, exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, and sustained civil society advocacy.

“Despite serious institutional challenges, Nigeria recorded notable progress in asset recovery, international compliance, and civic engagement,” he said.

He cited recoveries by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission as encouraging, though insufficient.
Rafsanjani also referenced Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list in October 2025 as evidence of institutional resilience.

However, he stressed that the CPI score showed deeper reforms were still required to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, identified persistent weaknesses across key governance sectors.

Yakubu pointed to judicial integrity concerns, legislative corruption, oil theft, and subsidy fraud as major obstacles to reform.

“Judicial compromise, extortion within the National Assembly, and persistent subsidy fraud continue to frustrate reforms,” Yakubu said.

He referenced reports of bribery involving lawmakers and unaccounted oil revenues running into billions of naira and foreign currencies.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Storytelling Department Officer, Blessing Anolaba, highlighted additional governance and accountability challenges.

Anolaba linked corruption to shrinking civic space, intimidation of journalists, procurement fraud, and opacity in public institutions.

“The shrinking civic space and lack of transparency are creating an environment where corruption thrives,” she said.

She added that attacks on journalists and suppression of whistleblowers undermine democratic accountability and citizen participation.

SERAP Senior Programme Officer, Folashade Arigbabu, urged the Federal Government to urgently strengthen institutional independence.

Arigbabu called for “full autonomy for anti-graft agencies, transparent judicial appointments, and digitised procurement systems.”

She also advocated public access to recovered assets and the passage of the Whistleblower Protection Bill.

Arigbabu further urged mandatory electronic transmission of election results to reduce manipulation and electoral corruption.

The report, however, called for sustained collaboration among government, civil society, and the media to combat corruption effectively.

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Usman, while addressing newsmen, said that the action followed the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on April 2, 2025.

She assured party members and supporters nationwide of renewed efforts to strengthen and reposition the party for national relevance.

Usman described the gathering as significant, noting it was the first major event at the secretariat since the apex court judgment.

Our correspondent reports that the secretariat had been occupied by the erstwhile National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure and his team.

Our correspondent also reports that a Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had earlier sacked Abure as the party’s national chairman, citing the Supreme Court judgment which declared declare Usman as the valid leader of the opposition party.

Usman told newsmen that although the party had expected a smooth transition, following the court judgment, the process took longer than anticipated.

She, however, expressed happiness that Labour Party had now finally stabilised.

The former minister of finance assured that the party leadership would do the right thing at the right time.

According to her, the focus is now on building a stronger party structure capable of meeting the expectations of Nigerians.

Usman commended the Deputy Governor of Abia, who also serves as Chairman of the National Steering Committee on Party Membership Revalidation and E-registration, for leading efforts to strengthen the party’s membership database.

She noted that since the committee’s inauguration in December 2025, it had been working extensively, regularly briefing the party leadership on the progress made.

“For those who have been very supportive and encouraging or sending prayers and words of encouragement, I want to use this opportunity to thank you so much and to let you know that we will not let you down,” Usman said.

She added that the news conference formed part of the party’s efforts to rebuild internal structures and reposition itself, ahead of future political activities.

Also speaking at the occasion, the deputy governor of Abia, Mr Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to unity, internal rebuilding and participation in upcoming elections across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Emetu said that many Nigerians had long desired a united Labour Party capable of representing their interests nationwide.

He pointed to developments in Abia under Labour Party as proof that democratic governance could work effectively when focused on the people.

On the ongoing membership revalidation and new registration exercise, he Emetu described Labour Party as people-oriented, committed to restoring lost opportunities and prosperity to Nigerians.

While maintaining that the Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership crisis remained final, the deputy governor dismissed the likelihood of any successful appeal by the Abure group.

He also dismissed speculations that Labour Party would support President Bola Tinubu for his re-election in 2027, stressing that it would instead focus on supporting its own candidates.

Emetu said that the party would field candidates in the next presidential election, adding, however, that it remained open to aspirants.

He also declared that Labour Party would not collapse, contrary to speculations in some quarters.

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