Labour Party’s ‘Obidient Directorate’ Plan Sparks Controversy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP) has faced intense backlash over its recent decision to establish an ‘Obidient Directorate’, a new department aimed at promoting the party’s ideology and values. The move, announced last week, has been met with widespread criticism from various quarters, including party members, political analysts, and civil society organizations. Detractors argue that the directorate’s name, “Obidient”, is a clear reference to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and smacks of personality cultism. They fear that the directorate will be used to suppress dissenting voices within the party and perpetuate Obi’s influence over the LP. Some party members have also expressed concerns that the directorate will lead to the marginalization of other stakeholders and create a culture of sycophancy within the party. “This is a clear attempt to turn the party into a one- man show,” said a prominent LP member, who wished to remain anonymous. “We didn’t join the party to worship an individual, but to work towards a better Nigeria.”
Political analysts have also weighed in on the controversy, warning that the directorate could undermine the party’s democratic values and pave the way for authoritarianism. “This is a dangerous precedent, and the LP must reconsider this decision to avoid damaging its reputation,” said Dr. Adeolu Oyekan, a political scientist at the University of Lagos.
Despite the backlash, the LP has defended its decision, stating that the directorate will promote the party’s values of transparency, account- ability, and good governance. However, the controversy highlights the ongoing struggles within the LP to balance individual ambitions with the need for collective leadership and democratic values. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, the LP’s handling of this crisis will be closely watched by its sup- porters and detractors alike.
Zenith Bank Plc has announced a Diaspora engagement programme aimed at providing essential banking and identity services to Nigerians residing in the United States, with activities scheduled to hold in Houston and Dallas, Texas.
The initiative, according to information obtained by Diaspora Watch Newspaper, targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora, is designed to ease access to banking services and strengthen financial inclusion among citizens living abroad.
The programme will feature free Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolment, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, seamless account opening, account reactivation, and digital banking onboarding.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper further gathered that participants will also benefit from mobile and internet banking activation, instant debit card issuance, and access to mortgage products offered at concessionary rates.
The engagement will further provide a platform for interaction with IT experts, creatives, influencers, and other service exporters, in line with efforts to deepen diaspora participation in Nigeria’s economy.
The Houston leg of the exercise will take place at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria on February 24, 25 and 28, 2026, while another session will hold at The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, on February 26 and 27, 2026.
The Dallas session is scheduled for March 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel by the Galleria.
Activities are expected to run daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Prospective participants have been advised to come along with valid proof of address as stipulated in the registration requirements.
Zenith Bank noted that the programme forms part of its ongoing diaspora banking strategy, aimed at supporting Nigerians abroad with convenient access to financial services and fostering stronger economic ties between the diaspora community and Nigeria.
For further enquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact Zenith Bank’s Diaspora Banking desk via WhatsApp or telephone, or through the official diaspora banking email.
Register for the event: JOIN ZENITH BANK IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TEXAS
Website: https://www.zenithbank.com
WhatsApp/call: +234 913 107 2967
Zenith Bank to Host Diaspora Engagement, Banking Services for Nigerians in Texas
Diaspora Watch Newspaper has released its 81st edition, delivering a sharp, authoritative and globally attuned package of journalism that interrogates power, policy and influence at a critical moment in international affairs.
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This latest edition captures the shifting dynamics of global security, diplomacy and governance, with a lead focus on deepening U.S.–Nigeria security engagement against the backdrop of rising terror threats. The report probes the strategic calculations behind the move and what it means for regional stability, sovereignty and counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa.
Beyond security, the edition reflects the volatility of a world in transition. From renewed uncertainty in Libya following reports surrounding Muammar Gaddafi’s son, to mounting tensions in the United States over federal immigration enforcement and public protest, Diaspora Watch situates breaking developments within their broader political and social contexts.
The newspaper also turns attention to the future, spotlighting technological innovation aimed at Africa’s digital inclusion, as well as urgent calls for stronger regional integration in the Caribbean amid global trade headwinds. Energy policy debates, evolving diplomatic relations between Africa and the United States, and the deepening humanitarian emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo are examined with clarity, balance and depth.
Rounding out the edition is a culture-driven back-page story that blends politics, celebrity and controversy, underscoring how influence and perception increasingly intersect in the global public space.
With its 81st edition, Diaspora Watch Newspaper reinforces its position as a trusted platform for diaspora-focused journalism—bold in perspective, rigorous in reporting and committed to telling Africa’s story within a rapidly changing world.
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Diaspora Watch Unveils 63rd Edition: A Global Mirror of Power, Politics and People
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The 63rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers has hit the stands this week, bringing readers a compelling mix of global power plays, continental shifts, economic pursuits and cultural flashpoints.
From New York to Niamey, London to Lagos, the edition offers a panoramic view of unfolding events shaping the world and Africa’s place within it.
On the cover, U.S. politics takes centre stage as President Donald Trump, addressing the United Nations, boldly declares: “No President Has Done What I’ve Done.” In a dramatic twist on African geopolitics, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly announce their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, condemning it as a “neo-colonial tool.”
Kenya’s President turns to America’s corporate giants, assuring investors of stability in a pitch to attract capital inflows. Nigeria equally seizes the moment, with the NNPC outlining ambitious upstream oil and gas expansion plans targeting $60 billion in investment. Across the Caribbean, CARICOM leaders rally at the UNGA 80, pressing hard for climate justice and a development agenda that cannot be ignored.
Europe is not left out of the storm: the Welsh First Minister pointedly shuns Trump’s banquet, fueling political ripples back home, while in Africa, Cameroon’s political dynasty faces unusual pressure as President Biya’s daughter openly calls on citizens to reject her father’s re-election bid. Elsewhere, Albania breaks new ground with the appointment of an AI “Minister” to combat corruption in public procurement — a move being hailed as futuristic governance.
On the health front, the World Health Organization issues a sobering warning, noting that slowing progress on non-communicable diseases and mental health is putting millions at risk globally.
Sports enthusiasts will find gripping drama on the back page, where Manchester United’s crisis-hit boss lays down the gauntlet with a blunt declaration: “My way or no way.”
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