Within the past year, Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has witnessed a sharp decline in its ranks, losing at least 21 lawmakers across the Senate, House of Representatives and state assemblies.

This exodus comes amid escalating internal discord and structural weaknesses, raising doubts about the party’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections.

LP, once celebrated as a rising third force following the 2023 elections has endured a cascade of defections beginning in 2024.

Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi (Imo East) kicked off the first wave by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July, soon followed by five House members from Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Edo, and Plateau.

It didn’t stop there. Representative Dalyop Chollom (Plateau) resigned later the same year.

In Enugu, six State Assembly members including Ejike Eze, Johnson Ani and Princess Obiajulu Ugwu defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing “loss of faith in the party’s direction.”

By early 2025, more defections occurred. Representatives Dennis Agbo, Chidi Obetta, Sunday Umeha and state lawmaker Malachi‑Okey Onyechi all switched allegiances, along with FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senator Neda Imasuen (Edo South).

Mid‑2025 saw two more resignations by federal legislators; Chimaobi Atu and Prof. Paul Nnamchi.

Observers attribute the defections to unresolved internal disputes, most notably over the legitimacy of National Chairman Julius Abure, whose authority has been contested by Senator Nenadi Usman and a lack of coherent ideology or structural foundation.

“It has nothing to do with the party itself,” said National Publicity Secretary Obiorah Ifoh, dismissing claims that LP’s collapse stems from internal failure.

“It has much to do with the survival strategy of most politicians. Most of them believe that the party at the centre will give them more opportunity for reelection.”

Ifoh also warned that defectors could face legal repercussions:

“The party has decided to open a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for these lawmakers or any elected official of the party who engages in fraudulent defection without first relinquishing the mandate obtained under the party’s ticket.”

He explained the challenge of legal redress: “You know the status of the judiciary in Nigeria. As to when judgement will come, we do not know. That is beyond our powers.”

And unless Nigeria’s political culture shifts, party loyalty may remain secondary to political survival:

“In Nigeria, where there are politicians without a clear ideology, their only ideology is survival.”

Political analyst Professor Kamilu Sani Fage linked the LP’s decline to its overreliance on the personality of Peter Obi.

“Labour Party is one of Nigeria’s oldest parties, but it was Peter Obi’s entry in 2022 that made it relevant at the national stage,” Fage explained.

“Without a strong structure or unifying ideology, the party is vulnerable to external influence and internal sabotage.”

He cautioned that cross-party migration may involve coercion as well as inducements:

“This wave of defection from opposition parties to the ruling party is not a natural political movement. Some are being enticed, others are being threatened.”

With the 2027 elections less than two years away and the ADC gaining traction as the opposition’s coalition platform, the LP faces a critical juncture.

Its future now hinges on rebuilding internal coherence, arresting defections (especially that of Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia), and reconnecting with disillusioned voters or risk fading into political irrelevance.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, has appealed to Nigerians to support a bill seeking to allocate 182 legislative seats exclusively for women across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Lagos lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in elected positions, despite their significant population and contributions to national development.

“I urge all stakeholders, government officials, civil society organisations and citizens at large to rally behind this crucial bill,” she said.

“It is time to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered women’s participation in politics and governance.”

Ogbara explained that the proposal goes beyond politics, it is a deliberate effort to deepen inclusive democracy and ensure that women’s voices are heard and reflected in governance.

“Together, let us champion this cause and pave the way for a more equitable Nigeria, one that values and amplifies women’s voices for inclusive growth and national development,” she added.

According to Ogbara, the bill seeks to create one additional reserved seat for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory across both chambers of the National Assembly.

Additionally, it proposes three reserved seats for women in every state House of Assembly.

“This bill is not just about increasing numbers, it’s about ensuring that women’s perspectives, needs, and rights are reflected in policymaking. It aligns with international obligations like the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality,” she stressed.

Supporting the initiative, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, reinforced the need for women’s inclusion in national leadership. She noted that when women commit to a cause, they deliver results.

“This bill is not just about more women in parliament, it is about unlocking the full potential of our country for faster, more sustainable development,” Kingibe said.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, also applauded the 10th National Assembly for championing the cause of gender inclusion. She described the bill as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“This is not just a proposal; it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,” Attafuah stated. She praised the contributions of Nigerian women in various sectors, including the national football team, the Super Falcons, who recently won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Attafuah noted that women currently occupy less than 5% of legislative positions in Nigeria.

“It is a call to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive governance,” she emphasized.

Adding her voice, Nikky Onyeri, Secretary-General of the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, described the bill as “timely and essential,” and urged the legislature and executive arms of government to ensure its passage.

“We plead with lawmakers and the executive to pass this bill. I’m optimistic, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s gender-friendly disposition. The House leadership is showing strong support, and the time is now,” Onyeri said.

Kennedy Ahanotu, the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), has officially announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections.

With this declaration, Ahanotu becomes the first party member to openly join the presidential race under the LP banner.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with DAILY GAZETTE on Tuesday, the 41-year-old expressed that Nigeria needs a clean slate built on reform, patriotism, and capable leadership.

“I am contesting for the highest office in the land to offer Nigeria and Nigerians a fresh start rooted in institutional transformations and overhauling, so that together we can rise again,” Ahanotu stated.

“At the point where we are today, I think that things have been muddled up too badly that we need to press the industrial reset button so we can start afresh to build a sustainable democracy that works for all Nigerians.”

Arguing for a generational shift in leadership, Ahanotu pointed to historical examples of young leaders in Nigeria’s past, such as former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who assumed power at just 29 years old.

“Every man is born for a purpose. I believe that I carry the burden of impactful leadership. Hence, there is no better time to start the pursuit of the vision than now,” he added.

Though he acknowledged that he may be older than some past youthful leaders, Ahanotu insisted that he is fully qualified for the presidency in every essential aspect—moral, academic, constitutional, emotional, and mental.

Addressing whether he would vacate his position as LP Youth Leader due to his presidential ambition, he clarified that it was not required by party rules, but he is open to stepping aside when the time is right.

“The constitution of my party does not stipulate that I give up my position to aspire for a political elective position.

“However, I don’t mind when the time comes or when we get to a certain point because I believe there is a higher calling for greater leadership impact if I become the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ahanotu said.

On the possibility of withdrawing from the race if LP’s leadership, under Julius Abure, endorses another aspirant, Ahanotu said he remains a loyal party member and would adhere to internal processes.

“Until such reality dawns before I can be able to answer this because as a loyal party man, I am bound by the party constitution and internal mechanism of my political party.
‘For me, it’s always wisdom to obey convincing institutional (party) directives,” he said.

When questioned about campaign funding and whether he had any political godfather, Ahanotu declined to go into detail, though he acknowledged the cost involved in a presidential bid.

“Well, I don’t have to talk about that now because I do understand adequately what it takes to run for presidency, given the current monetisation reality of our electoral system.

“I believe when the time comes for nomination/expression of interest purchase, we’ll see if money can stop us,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Deputy Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi as the next Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service.

His appointment will take effect from August 14, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), and signed by its Secretary, Major General A.M. Jibril (retd.), on behalf of the President.

“This appointment follows the imminent retirement of the current Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, on August 13, 2025, upon attaining the age of 60,” the statement noted.

According to the CDCFIB, Olumode is well-qualified for the role, having risen through the ranks after moving from the FCT Fire Service to the Federal Fire Service.

He most recently served as Deputy Controller-General in charge of Human Resources at the Service’s headquarters.

“In the course of his career, the Officer has attended and passed all mandatory in-service trainings, command course as well as other courses within and outside the country,” the statement added.

Olumode holds memberships and fellowships in multiple professional organizations, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management of Nigeria.

The Board also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Controller-General, describing his leadership as impactful.

It said, “The Board appreciates his remarkable contributions to the development of the Federal Fire Service,” and praised his “dedication and commitment to the service, and the numerous initiatives he spearheaded during his period of service.”