The Labour Party (LP) has dismissed any possibility of merging with another political party ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that such an option is not on the table.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against interfering in the party’s affairs, stating that the union has no authority to dictate its direction.

His remarks were in response to the NLC’s recent communique, signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, after the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Yola, Adamawa State.

The NLC had called for a rebranding of the party, suggesting a merger or coalition with like-minded groups to safeguard the interests of Nigerian workers within the LP.

However, Ifoh maintained that while the party remains open to alliances that will strengthen its position, a merger is not being considered.

The Labour Party and NLC have been at odds over party leadership, with the NLC refusing to acknowledge Julius Abure’s re-election as LP’s National Chairman following the party’s convention in Anambra last year.

The Shira Local Government Council in Bauchi State has announced the impeachment of its chairman, Abdullahi Beli, and his deputy, Usman Adamu, over allegations of financial mismanagement and misconduct.

A statement issued by the council, led by Wali Adamu, confirmed their removal, citing findings from a committee investigation.

According to resolution number SLGLC 003, the impeached officials were found guilty of gross misconduct, mismanagement of funds, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office.

“As a result of these findings, the council has resolved to remove Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli and his deputy, Hon. Usman Adamu, from office with immediate effect,” the statement read.

Their removal takes effect immediately.

Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege Constituency I, has been re-elected as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda.

Obasa’s re-election took place on Monday after his nomination by Noheem Adams, a former Majority Leader and representative of Eti-Osa Constituency I.

Shortly after, he took the oath of office, reclaiming the speakership seven weeks after his removal.

Obasa first joined the House in 2007 and served as Speaker from June 2015 until his impeachment in January 2025.

His removal came after over two-thirds of the 40-member House voted him out, citing allegations of misconduct and other offenses.

Following his ousting, Meranda, then his deputy, was elected Speaker, making history as the first female to lead the Lagos Assembly.

However, Obasa consistently challenged his removal, arguing that due process was not followed and that the Assembly complex was militarized during the impeachment.

He also claimed that his removal was orchestrated while he was out of the country.

With Monday’s developments, Obasa has now returned to the position he previously held for nearly a decade.

Mojisola Meranda has resigned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly just seven weeks after assuming the role.

Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, announced her resignation on Monday, after which lawmakers re-elected her as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

During the session, her colleagues commended her leadership style, noting that she played a key role in maintaining stability within the House.

They also praised her for her humility and for adhering to the directives of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Her resignation followed a reported meeting with top-ranking APC members in Lagos, aimed at resolving the leadership crisis that had engulfed the House.

The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who represents Agege Constituency I, was impeached by more than two-thirds of the 40-member Assembly over allegations of misconduct and other offenses.

Following his removal, Meranda, who was then Deputy Speaker, was elected as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to hold the position in Lagos State.

However, on January 25, Obasa rejected his impeachment, insisting that he remained the Speaker and that due process had not been followed.

He criticized the heavy security presence at the Assembly complex during the impeachment proceedings and argued that the decision was made in his absence while he was out of the country.

Despite Obasa’s objections, 36 lawmakers remained steadfast in their support for Meranda, affirming that his removal was final.

The faceoff escalated on February 17, when security operatives clashed with Assembly staff over access to the chambers.

That same day, 36 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda and adjourned proceedings indefinitely.

On February 27, Obasa made a dramatic return to the Assembly complex, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel.

His appearance marked his first visit to the House since his removal in January.

Despite resistance from many lawmakers who remained loyal to Meranda, Obasa maintained that he was still the legitimate Speaker.

Monday’s developments, including Meranda’s resignation and her re-election as Deputy Speaker, appear to be part of a negotiated resolution to the crisis.

However, Obasa’s exact role in the Assembly’s leadership remains unclear.