“INEC Must Stop Playing Games, Recognize Abure as LP Chairman” – Avotu Johnson Blasts APC, Wike in Fiery Interview
In a no-holds-barred interview with Channels TV on Wednesday night, August 7, 2025, Labour Party’s National Deputy Youth Leader, Avotu Johnson, delivered a scathing critique of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and key political actors over recent developments ahead of the Abuja Municipal Election and other scheduled bye-elections.
Johnson accused INEC of bias for allegedly refusing to upload the list of candidates submitted by the Julius Abure-led Labour Party, instead recognizing candidates from a parallel list allegedly backed by Nenadi Usman. “If INEC refuses to upload LP candidates, it simply means they are working for APC,” he asserted.
“Wike Is a Non-Performer, Abuja Is Not Rivers State” – Johnson
Directing harsh criticism at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Johnson described him as a “non-performer,” citing the deteriorating state of security and sanitation in Abuja. Avuja is no longer safe. ‘One-chance’ robbers roam freely, the streets are filthy, and the APC government has failed Abuja residents,” he said.
He further warned Wike against attempting to manipulate elections in the FCT, saying:
Abuja is not Rivers State where he can influence votes. We, the residents of Abuja, determine what happens here. Labour Party won in 2023 and will win again in 2027. APC and Wike can’t stop that.
He insists that Abure Remains the Only Recognized LP Chairman
Johnson also condemned Dr. Alex Otti, Nenadi Usman, and others he described as “impostors” falsely parading themselves as leaders of the Labour Party.
“Our constitution does not recognize them. The only authentic National Chairman of the Labour Party is Julius Abure, and INEC must reflect that truth,” he insisted.
The Labour Party has been facing internal leadership disputes, with two factions submitting conflicting lists of candidates for the forthcoming elections. Despite the ongoing legal and political drama, Johnson emphasized that Abure’s leadership is legitimate and non-negotiable.
With political tension rising ahead of the bye-elections, Johnson’s comments highlight the growing friction between opposition parties and federal institutions. Many observers are now calling on INEC to maintain neutrality and uphold democratic standards in the interest of free and fair elections.
