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Julius Abure-Led Labour Party Describes Obi’s Defection as Good Riddance

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Abure-Led Labour Party has described the defection of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “liberation,” while also apologising to Nigerians for presenting what it termed an unfitting presidential candidate in the last general election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.

“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was unsurprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”

According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.

“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.

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The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.

It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”

It also blamed its internal crisis on Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.

“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Otti had not followed Obi out of the party despite his suspension.

Reacting to Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”

It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”

The faction also accused Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffered political marginalisation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a result.

“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.

The Abure-Led Labour Party apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.

“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.

It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”

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NNPC Confirms Gas Supply & Network Availability

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NNPC Limited confirms that gas transportation network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), remains available to support deliveries to power generating stations Nationwide without any constraints. NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation.

NNPC Limited is focussed on actualizing the Federal Government’s gas development and monetization agenda which has led to about 10% growth in gas production volumes 2026 year to date. Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation.

This clarification follows the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) statement of 5 November 2026, which cited limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as causes of lower generation. NNPC Limited’s clarification concerns the operational status of NGIC’s transportation network. Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

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A comprehensive assessment must also consider the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules and actual gas offtake. These factors determine whether gas supplied can be converted into electricity. They should be verified alongside gas supply data to establish the causes of the shortfall.

NNPC Limited supports a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide effective interventions. Accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence.

Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja

6 November 2026

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Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Pregabalin Capsules After Rapid Response Squad Launch

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Barely 24 hours after the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

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The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee
Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Traficking.

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Former Kano NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim Loses Mother at 91

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Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.

Hajiya Binta died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a protracted illness.

The deceased was the mother of Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, who also served as the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections.

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Among her surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired Director in the Kano State Government; Halima Ibrahim; and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at Sahaba, Kundila, Kano, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.

Her death is a loss to her family, relatives and associates, who will remember her for the years she spent nurturing her children and contributing to the growth of her family.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

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