Mr. John Nwosu, a candidate from the Labour Party (LP) for the upcoming 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, has stated that the dismissal of the Julius Abure-led executive has invalidated Dr. George Moghalu’s candidacy.
On April 4, the Supreme Court removed the Abure-led executive. Nevertheless, the party, still under Abure’s leadership, conducted a primary election the following day, resulting in the selection of Moghalu, the former Director General of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as its candidate.
However, on April 10, the party, now led by Esther Usman Nenadi, held another primary election, which elected Jude Umennajiego, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, as the candidate. Nwosu, who chose not to participate in the Abure-led primary but contested and lost in the Nenadi-led election, maintains that Moghalu’s situation is resolved.
He argues that since Umennajiego is considered a placeholder, he should be the official candidate for the party in the November 8 governorship election. In an interview with reporters in Anambra, Nwosu remarked, ‘The Supreme Court’s ruling on April 4, 2025, was conclusive.
We are aware of who the LP leaders are. It is now the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the process continues. The primary held on April 5 is invalid, and the one on April 10 should be recognized, unless the placeholder issue is deemed irrelevant to the established process. I firmly believe in due process and the rule of law, and I remain in the race for the candidacy.
In due time, clarity and vindication will emerge. My appeal is currently with the party, and I expect a decision once the Easter holidays conclude.’ When asked if he would resort to legal action if the party does not grant him the ticket, Nwosu expressed hope that it would not come to that but indicated he would consider that option if necessary.
