John Chuma Nwosu, a governorship aspirant for Anambra State, has officially withdrawn from the Labour Party’s upcoming Anambra State Governorship Primary, scheduled for 5th April 2025.
In a statement titled “Withdrawal from Labour Party 5th April 2025 Anambra State Governorship Primaries,” released on 4th April 2025, Nwosu cited serious irregularities and illegalities surrounding the conduct of the primary election as the reason for his decision.
Nwosu pointed to the recent Supreme Court ruling, which sacked Barr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party on 4th April 2025. The aspirant argued that any activities under Abure’s leadership, including the arrangements for the Anambra primaries, could no longer stand judicial scrutiny.
He specifically highlighted that there was no delegates’ congress held in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, with a delegate list that was altered multiple times and posted only hours before the scheduled primary.
The statement read, “After a diligent review of all the activities, illegalities and indecent conduct by officials of Labour Party at the National and State levels charged with the conduct of the governorship primary election for Anambra State, it is clear that they fell short of the provisions of the Constitution of our dear Labour Party, INEC Guidelines and Regulations.
“The Supreme Court unequivocally sacked Barr. Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party today 4th April 2025. The implication is that anything Barr. Abure superintended since his tenure expired cannot stand judicial scrutiny. This includes most activities leading up to the Anambra State Governorship Primaries scheduled for 5th April 2025.
“It is cogent and verifiable that no delegates’ congress took place in any of the 21 LGAs of Anambra State and yet a list of purported delegates emerged. That list was altered several times and was only posted at the party secretariat eight hours to the primary’s scheduled start time, contrary to the electoral guidelines. Accordingly, any outcome of the primary elections as scheduled will be tainted with severe irregularities, illegalities and will be unacceptable.
“As such, I wish to dissociate myself from participating in this primary election, which is already a charade contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. I am convinced that my participation in the primary will lend credence to illegality, erosion of due process and also offend my sense of integrity, Christian values and principles.
“I fervently believe that my teeming supporters, campaign staff, friends and well wishers in Anambra State, Nigeria and beyond will understand and appreciate my decision not to participate in this very flawed Anambra State Governorship Primary Election of the Labour Party. I stand ready to serve and participate in future political processes that are credible transparent and fair. May God bless us,” he added.
