The battle for the Labour Party’s (LP) 2025 governorship ticket in Anambra has intensified, with aspirant John Nwosu declaring that Dr. George Moghalu’s candidacy is invalid. Nwosu, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling, claims that the process leading to Moghalu’s selection was flawed.
The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s April 4, 2025, ruling, which ousted the Julius Abure-led LP executive. Despite the judgment, the Abure-led faction conducted a primary election on April 5, which resulted in the nomination of Moghalu as the LP candidate. However, another faction, led by Senator Esther Usman Nenadi, held a separate primary on April 10, which saw Hon. Jude Umennajiego, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, declared the winner.
While Nwosu participated in and lost the primary organized by the Nenadi faction, he now argues that Moghalu’s candidacy is legally null and void. He insists that Umennajiego should be regarded as the legitimate candidate for the party’s ticket in the November 8, 2025, election.
Nwosu addressed the media in Anambra on Tuesday, emphasizing the binding nature of the Supreme Court ruling. He stated, “The Supreme Court’s decision on April 4 was clear. It is now up to INEC to take the necessary actions and recognize the proper leaders of the Labour Party.”
He further argued that the primary held on April 5 should be dismissed, asserting that the primary conducted on April 10 is the legitimate one, despite some controversy over Umennajiego’s status as a placeholder.
“I firmly believe in due process and the rule of law, and I remain in the race for the candidacy. The April 5 primary is invalid, and I am confident the April 10 primary will be upheld,” Nwosu added.
Nwosu has already filed an appeal with the party, and he remains optimistic about a favorable outcome. He expressed hope that the party would make a final pronouncement soon, now that the Easter holidays have ended.
When asked about taking legal action should the party fail to recognize his candidacy, Nwosu stated, “The electoral processes are clear, and there are established precedents. I’m a team player, but if necessary, I am ready to explore all legal remedies to ensure justice is served.”
