The Labour Party’s (LP) internal dispute has taken a new turn after John Nwosu, a candidate for the 2025 Anambra governorship, announced that Dr. George Moghalu’s election as the party’s nominee was illegitimate.
According to Naija News, Nwosu based his stance on the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on April 4, which dismissed the party’s national executive led by Julius Abure.
In spite of the ruling, the deposed leadership held a primary election the following day, April 5, and Dr. George Moghalu, a former NIWA Director-General, was chosen as the LP flagbearer.
On April 10, however, a different party faction led by Senator Esther Usman Nenadi held another primary, and Hon. Jude Umennajiego, a current member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was proclaimed the victor.
Nwosu has now spoken out, asserting that Moghalu’s candidacy is essentially void. Nwosu distanced himself from the Abure-led primary but ran in and lost the Nenadi-led one.
He further stated that since Umennajiego is allegedly positioned as a placeholder, he remains the legitimate contender for the party’s ticket for the November 8 election.
Addressing journalists in Anambra on Tuesday, Nwosu emphasised the legality of the Supreme Court’s verdict.
He said, “The Supreme Court ruling of 4th April, 2025 was definitive. We know who the leaders of LP are. It’s now up to INEC to do the needful for the process to continue.”
He continued, stressing that the legitimacy of the April 10 primary stands unchallenged.
“The primary of 5th April is null and void and the primary of 10th April should be upheld, except of course that the issue of a placeholder is extraneous to the established process. I am a firm believer in due process and rule of law. So I remain in the race for the candidacy,” Nwosu stated.
With an appeal already lodged with the party, Nwosu said he is confident of a favourable outcome. “In the fullness of time there will be clarity and vindication. My Appeal is before the party. Once the Easter holidays are over, they will, indeed, make a pronouncement,” he added.
When asked if he is considering legal action should the party fail to recognise him as the rightful candidate, Nwosu responded cautiously but firmly.
“The Electoral processes are clear and full of established precedents. Something has to give. I’m a team player. I hope it does not come to that. But if push comes to shove, I am ready to exhaust all remedies,” he declared.
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