The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office, labeling it a period of “economic hardship, insecurity, and hopelessness,” in stark contrast to his administration’s promised “Renewed Hope.”

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In a State-of-the-Nation statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, caucus leader Hon. Afam Victor Ogene marked the administration’s first anniversary by expressing deep concerns over the nation’s deteriorating economic conditions.

The LP representatives highlighted the continuous economic decline since Tinubu’s inauguration, casting doubt on the All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s ability to address the country’s challenges, especially following what they termed “the precarious eight years of the past administration.”

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Reflecting on the aftermath of the controversial presidential election and subsequent legal battles, the LP caucus had initially hoped for positive changes.

However, they now assert that the country has further deteriorated under Tinubu’s leadership, failing to deliver on his predecessor’s so-called legacies.

The caucus pointed to alarming economic indicators, including a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report showing food inflation at 40.01% in March 2024, a significant rise from 24.45% the previous year.

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The increase in prices of essential food items has exacerbated daily hunger and reduced purchasing power among ordinary Nigerians.

Additionally, the lawmakers cited a general inflation rate of 33.20%, a poverty rate of 38.9%, and a sharp rise in fuel and gas prices.

Public debt has grown from N87.38 trillion to N97.34 trillion, and interest rates for bank loans have surged, affecting manufacturers and small businesses.

The LP representatives emphasized that these dire economic conditions reflect the government’s failure to deliver on its eight-point “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which promised food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, social inclusion, rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts.

They argued that the current administration has not fulfilled these promises, leaving many Nigerians in despair.

The caucus also urged the government to enhance its anti-corruption efforts and ensure transparent governance, warning against relying on foreign financial institutions whose policies they believe are detrimental to developing countries.

The new leadership of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has vowed to secure victory in the upcoming September 21 governorship election and called for unity among its members.

The party’s Caretaker Committee Chair, Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ativie, made these remarks during a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges faced and pledging support for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Akpata.

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Ativie addressed concerns about attempts to oust the National Chairman, Julius Abure, dismissing them as actions of sponsored external forces aiming to destabilize the party.

She emphasized that only a National Convention has the authority to remove the National Chairman, per the party’s constitution.

“The National Chairman has achieved significant successes during his tenure,” Ativie stated.

“Criticism should be based on his accomplishments and failures, and his successes far outweigh his failures. We are aware that certain external parties, uncomfortable with the growing support for the Labour Party, are fueling these internal conflicts.”

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She further condemned the recent invasion of the Labour Party Secretariat in Abuja, attributing it to individuals hired to undermine the party.

“The protesters were not genuine party members but were rented from a nearby market in Abuja,” she claimed.

Ativie also dismissed allegations of pursuing an “Esan agenda,” clarifying her roots and intentions.

“As someone from Uhunmwonde, the notion that I am pushing an Esan agenda is baseless. My focus is on uniting the party and securing electoral victory.”

She praised National Chairman Abure for revitalizing the party and achieving significant milestones, including the election of a governor and several National and State Assembly members.

“Under his leadership, the Labour Party has reached new heights. Those attempting to create divisions within the party should reconsider and work towards its progress.”

Regarding the claim by Kelly Ogbaloi about his continued tenure as state chairman, Ativie stated that his term had expired.

“The previous executive exceeded their six-year term limit, staying for about 12 years. Their inability to unify the party post-primary necessitated the formation of this caretaker committee.”

Ativie announced efforts to reconcile and reunite aggrieved members within a month.

She also assured collaboration with the existing campaign council, indicating possible adjustments to ensure effectiveness.

“We aim to build on the current campaign structure. If we identify any gaps in capacity, we will make necessary changes to strengthen our efforts. The Labour Party is committed to winning this election, and with the support of the masses, we will achieve this by quickly organizing our ranks.”

The Senate has reinstated Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi following a 77-day suspension, initially imposed on March 12, 2024.

The recall occurred on Tuesday, spearheaded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, who expressed remorse on Ningi’s behalf and took responsibility for his actions.

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Senator Ningi’s suspension, which stemmed from allegations of padding the 2024 Budget by N3.7 trillion, had been a contentious issue within the Senate.

The reinstatement motion received broad support, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighting Ningi’s contributions and the inclusive nature of the decision, which crossed religious and ethnic lines.

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Senator Ningi, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Bauchi Central Senatorial District, was suspended after a heated session in the Senate.

His return comes just two weeks before his scheduled suspension would have ended on June 12, 2024.

In his announcement, Akpabio emphasized the senator’s resourcefulness and value to the legislative body, ultimately leading to the Senate’s decision to lift the suspension earlier than planned.

Former House of Representatives member, Tajudeen Yusuf has dismissed the likelihood of an alliance between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.

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Speculation about a potential alliance arose after a recent meeting between Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, and Atiku, his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obi previously served as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the PDP before switching to the LP for the 2023 race.

Despite their past collaboration, Yusuf doubts they will join forces for the 2027 election.

“They have worked together before in 2019. It would not be out of place if they work together again. I am not in their minds, but I don’t see the possibility,” Yusuf said during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*.

Yusuf highlighted Atiku’s determination to continue his political career as a key obstacle to an alliance. “After their meeting, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar stated he would continue to contest as long as he’s alive and healthy,” Yusuf noted, interpreting this as a signal that Atiku is not considering stepping aside for Obi.

He believes both men will likely run independently in 2027, making an alliance challenging. Additionally, Yunusa Tanko, a spokesman for the Obi-Datti campaign council in the 2023 election, emphasized that Obi is only interested in a merger aimed at improving the country.

“His Excellency, Peter Gregory is not interested in a merger solely for power. He is focused on a merger that will elevate Nigerians out of poverty, enhance healthcare, provide potable drinking water, and solve the power supply issue,” Tanko said. “He is driven by ideology and a solid program, not just the pursuit of power.”