The political atmosphere in Anambra State ahead the fast-approaching November 8, 2025, off-season governorship election appears to have taken a dramatic turn, as Chief George Moghalu’s ambition to fly the Labour Party’s (LP) flag seems to have been dealt a heavy legal and political blow.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has “restrained Moghalu from parading himself as the Anambra LP’s Governorship candidate.”
This was the submission of Hon. Peter Okoye, the contending factional chairman of LP in the State.
According to the court documents he presented to newsmen yesterday in Awka, “it was only the faction led by Okoye Peter Chukwunulu and Jerry Nnubia, loyal to the recognized national Caretaker leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, has the legal authority to produce authentic guber candidate for the State in the coming November 8, 2025, election.”
He admitted that the interim order, issued in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/226/2025, came after two ex parte motions filed by members of the party’s Interim State Executive Committee led by himself.
The court presided over by Hon Justice Nwaukwa Ukamaka, had upheld the prayers of the applicants, noting that Moghalu’s purported candidacy emanated from a faction loyal to the long sacked National Chairman, Barr Julius Abure, a leadership already declared illegal and invalid by the Supreme Court on April 4, 2025.
That Supreme Court judgment had not only ousted Abure from office but also handed the reins of the power to Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Caretaker chairman.
Therefore, all acts, including nominations, lists, or endorsements issued under Abure’s defunct leadership were nullities in the eyes of the law.
Chukwunulu–Nnubia Structure Emerges as Sole Legal Authority
For the Labour Party in Anambra, this ruling may mark a watershed.
It cleared the air of factional confusion, validating the position of Okoye and Nnubia as the only lawful state executives empowered to determine who represents the party in the forthcoming governorship election.
The court further barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising, processing, or accepting any nomination forms or electoral documents emanating from the Abure faction in Anambra.
It also approved substituted service of court papers on Moghalu by pasting them at his Nnewi residence, effectively binding him to the order.
By insisting on the status quo until the substantive matter is determined, the court left no room for ambiguities: Moghalu cannot legally lay claim to the party’s ticket.
A Legal and Political Dead End for Moghalu
For Moghalu, a veteran politician who once held sway in Anambra’s political circles, this ruling represents not just a setback but an effective dead end.
His faction’s entire foundation was built on the Abure-led structure, which the highest court in the land has already dismantled.
Seasoned political analysts note that any further attempt by Moghalu to parade himself as candidate would amount to brazen illegality and political desperation. “You cannot build something on nothing and expect it to stand,” remarked one political commentator in Awka.
With the Supreme Court and now the Federal High Court both reinforcing the Nenadi Usman caretaker structure, Moghalu’s candidacy has no legal legs to stand on.
The Labour Party’s Ticket: Still Uncertain, But Not for Moghalu
While the ruling closes the door firmly on Moghalu, it does not immediately settle who eventually becomes the LP’s governorship candidate in Anambra.
That decision now rests squarely with the Usman-backed executives in the state under Chukwunulu and Nnubia.
Party insiders suggest that discussions are ongoing among stakeholders loyal to this leadership to present a candidate who will not only be legally valid but also politically viable in the race against established parties like the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Until that decision is finalised, the ticket remains in play, but strictly within the orbit of the Chukwunulu–Nnubia leadership.
The End of Impunity in Party Politics
For many Labour Party faithful in Anambra, the court’s pronouncement is a victory for internal democracy and the rule of law. It underscores that no aspirant, however prominent, can impose himself on the party outside recognised structures.
“The era of illegality is over,” one jubilant supporter of the Chukwunulu-led executive said in Awka.
“This judgment restores order and affirms that only those backed by the Nenadi Usman caretaker committee will be taken seriously.
“Moghalu’s camp should respect the law and stop misleading the public,” he added.
What Next for the Labour Party?
As the case resumes on September 26, all eyes will be on the Labour Party’s internal processes under the Chukwunulu–Nnubia leadership.
The credibility of their eventual candidate will determine whether the party can mount a serious challenge in the governorship race or risk irrelevance.
One thing, however, is beyond dispute: George Moghalu is no longer in contention. The courts have spoken, and the law is clear.
The battle for Anambra’s governorship in 2025 will not feature him as Labour Party’s candidate.
In the final analysis, the latest development may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Labour Party faithful who crave unity, legality, and focus ahead of the election.
With the fog of factional battles lifting, the stage is now set for a candidate born of legitimacy, not factional scheming.
However in his reaction, the other State chairman, Chief Emeh Ugochukwu, dismissed the suit and the position being canvassed by Peter Okoye and his group.
He said they have no issue to clutch unto, and that George Moghalu remains the party’s candidate.
Neither Moghalu nor his Campaign Director General, Chief Okey Chukwuogo was able to respond to the text message and calls to their telephone.
Post Views: 392
