Politics
20M Was Approved For Oyo Rally, But Doyin Okupe Sent Only 4M – Ogun Labour Party Chair
The Chairman of the Ogun chapter of Labour party, Michael Ashade has come out to shed more light on the reason the party’s Campaign Director-General, Dr. Doyin Okupe and others were expelled.
Speaking on Saturday’s episode of ARISE TV’s “The Morning Show,” Ashade claimed that Dr. Okupe is being investigated for financial irregularities in addition to breaking the party’s bylaws by failing to pay his dues for six months.
According to Ashade, although the sum of N20 million was approved by the Campaign Council for the mobilization of members from Ogun State, Dr. Okupe only sent four million to that effect, claiming that he was personally funding the mobilization from his pockets.
He said; “Our grouse is not just the fact that he has been found wanting on his financial obligation as a member, we also highlighted certain deeds that occurred during the rally at Ibadan in which members in Ogun State were expected to be mobilized for that rally. And certain financial anomalies occurred which we highlighted there. And we have discovered that certain amounts of money were approved for the states by the campaign council and we are asking where are the funds.
“Maybe he didn’t know it will get to this, but I have a chat he sent me saying that he is personally paying to mobilize members from Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun states for the Oyo state rally saying that no official amount was approved. But, 20 million Naira was approved specifically for Ogun State to mobilize members. We estimated 200 buses for the members and it was turned down. It was reduced to 100 buses and forwarded to him but he still rejected it saying no, that there are no funds that he was personally funding it. He came up with an estimation of 5,195,000, saying that was what he could personally afford. But it was less than that. About four million was what was gathered as what he gave.”
Sir Jude Idimogu, a former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has strongly stated that there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027, reaffirming his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Idimogu, who served as the representative of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II from 2015 to 2023, shared his views during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
His comments followed the recent declaration from an opposition group promising to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
READ ALSO: Tinubu, AGF Snub Suit Seeking To Sack Rivers’ Sole Administrator
A steadfast member of the APC and deputy leader of the Ndigbo socio-cultural group in Lagos, Idimogu dismissed the opposition’s chances of defeating President Tinubu in 2027, asserting that no coalition of opposition leaders could pose a significant challenge to the president’s second-term aspirations.
“The ruling party has strong leadership and unwavering grassroots support that will carry us through to victory in 2027,” Idimogu stated, branding the opposition’s efforts as “futile.”
He further noted that power rotation between the North and South made it clear that it was the South’s turn to complete its eight years in office.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027, and I am appealing to all Northerners in the APC to support the president in completing his eight years,” he added.
In his assessment of the current administration’s progress, Idimogu lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, citing positive developments such as better power supply, the strengthening of the naira against the dollar, and the implementation of policies that have helped reduce food prices and boost agricultural output.
“With the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal and the export drive, we are seeing tangible results. I don’t see any opposition candidate who can present a policy better than what Tinubu’s administration is already doing,” he explained.
Looking ahead to 2027, Idimogu expressed his firm belief that he would be among those advocating for President Tinubu’s re-election, given the progress already made under his leadership.
Idimogu concluded by urging the opposition coalition to reconsider its stance, suggesting that they join forces with the president for the greater good of the nation.
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) under Julius Abure has been vindicated by the content of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement between Nenadi Usman and the party.
This was contained in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night.
According to the National Publicity Secretary
Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh
As promised earlier, we warned that Senator Nenadi Usman and her cohorts have been in the voyage of misleading Nigerians with wrong interpretation of the judgement of the apex court.
ALSO READ: ECCIMA Applauds Dangote’s Impact On Nigeria’s Economy
There is no where it stated that the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure led executive has elapsed or that Nenadi Usman and her National Caretaker Committee has been directed to take over the leadership of the Labour Party.
The Supreme Court emphatically stated that issues within the political party are internal affairs of the party and that party supremacy must be observed.
It is pertinent for us to state clearly that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party. The highest organ of the party, the national convention has in March 2024 elected its leaders in line with the constitution of the party and electoral act and their tenure is subsisting.
Consequent upon that, any meeting convened in disregard to the constitution of the party is illegal and the outcome null and void. We are therefore warning all those involved in the illegal meeting holding in Abuja to refrain from further factionalising the party and respect the constitution of the party as we will not fail to activate the provision of the party on disciplinary actions.
Okai Austin, a key figure in Kogi State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside his associates Okpanachi Jacob and Peter Onuma, has issued a formal apology to Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo after a media claim accusing him of diverting N13.4 billion from the state’s funds.
In a press conference held in March, the trio had made the explosive allegation, demanding that the funds be refunded.
However, on Tuesday, they withdrew the accusation and publicly apologized in a letter addressed to the governor.
READ ALSO: Isanlu-Fulani Crisis: Gov Ododo Holds Emergency Security Meeting
The letter, issued by Okai Austin on behalf of himself and his co-signatories, stated: “Upon further review and diligent comparison of the relevant facts, particularly those provided by the State Government concerning the disbursement of funds intended for local government development, I came to the realization, after much briefing and clarification, of the significant discrepancies in the information upon which the previous statement was based.”
The trio admitted that their earlier claim was based on inaccurate information and clarified that the funds in question were actually ₦3 billion, not ₦13.4 billion.
They also included documentation detailing the approved distribution of these funds, which was provided by the state government.
“We have no personal animosity, hatred, or ill feelings towards your government, personality, tribe, or any member of your family.
“We hold Your Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, in high regard as the duly elected Governor of our esteemed state,” the letter continued.
Furthermore, they emphasized that their actions were not motivated by partisan differences or tribal bias, but rather from a genuine desire to participate in the democratic process and hold the government accountable.
The apology letter concluded with a full acceptance of responsibility: “We take full responsibility for any damage or inconvenience our assertions may have caused.”
The trio expressed sincere regret for any distress their earlier remarks might have caused the governor, his administration, or the people of Kogi State.
‘Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election A Done Deal, Says Ex-lawmaker
‘I Died And Went To Heaven’ – Actress Doris Ogala Shares Remarkable Near-Death Experience
PETROAN Backs Naira-for-Crude Policy, Hails Potential For Lower Fuel Prices
US Missionary Abducted During Church Service In South Africa
Nigeria’s Crisis Proves Kanu Right, Restructuring Is The Way Forward – IPOB
