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Nigeria’s Labour Party has issued a public warning regarding fraudulent social media accounts claiming to represent the organization, as impostors spread misinformation under the party’s banner.
In a press release issued Monday from Abuja, Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the party’s Interim National Chairman, cautioned citizens about a counterfeit account on X (formerly Twitter) operating under the name “Nigeria Labour Party (LP)” with the handle @NewsLp26689. According to Asogwa, this fraudulent account emerged in January 2026, shortly after a Federal High Court ruling affirmed Nenadi Usman as the Labour Party’s Interim National Chairman.
The statement clarified that the Labour Party maintains only two legitimate social media platforms: a Facebook page named “Labour Party-Nig” with approximately 12,000 followers, and an X account with the handle @LabourPartyNG, which has amassed around 839,000 followers. However, both accounts remain dormant as the former party leadership has yet to relinquish control following the recent leadership transition.
“We have formally requested that the previous administration hand over these official communication channels,” Asogwa stated. “We remain hopeful this transfer will occur in a smooth and cooperative manner, reflecting the democratic values our party upholds.”
The digital identity struggle comes amid broader leadership changes within the Labour Party, which has positioned itself as a significant third force in Nigeria’s traditionally two-party dominated political landscape. The party gained substantial momentum during the 2023 general elections, when its presidential candidate Peter Obi secured unprecedented support, particularly among younger voters and urban professionals.
This social media controversy highlights the growing importance of digital platforms in Nigeria’s political sphere, where an estimated 33 million citizens actively use social media to receive news and political updates. Political organizations increasingly rely on these channels to communicate policies, mobilize supporters, and counter misinformation—making control of official accounts a valuable asset.
Digital security experts note that impersonation of political parties on social media has become a common tactic to spread misinformation during periods of leadership transition or political uncertainty. “These fake accounts often blend legitimate party information with divisive content designed to create confusion,” explains Ibrahim Yakubu, a cybersecurity analyst based in Lagos. “For many Nigerians who consume news primarily through social media, distinguishing official party communications from impostor content can be challenging.”
In the interim, Asogwa emphasized that the Labour Party will issue all official communications exclusively through approved press statements from the Office of the Interim National Chairman until the legitimate social media accounts are properly restored. The party explicitly warned Nigerians to disregard any information from the fraudulent @NewsLp26689 account, describing it as “unauthorized and merely a parody account designed to mislead the public.”
The Labour Party also extended gratitude to media organizations for their “professionalism and balanced reporting” on matters concerning the party during this transitional period.
Political analysts suggest that resolving these digital communication challenges will be crucial for the Labour Party as it works to maintain its momentum and position itself ahead of future electoral contests. With Nigeria’s increasing digitization and a growing youth demographic that relies heavily on social media for political engagement, establishing authentic digital channels remains essential for effective political communication and party cohesion.
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10 Comments
This is a timely reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of social media accounts, especially those claiming to represent political parties. I hope the Labour Party is able to resolve this issue quickly.
This is a concerning development, but I’m glad the Labour Party is being proactive in warning the public. Maintaining the integrity of official party channels is crucial, especially in the lead-up to elections.
It’s disappointing to see bad actors trying to exploit social media for political gain. I hope the Labour Party is able to regain control of their legitimate channels and that the public remains vigilant against such deception.
Agreed. Disinformation campaigns can have serious consequences for the democratic process. Kudos to the Labour Party for taking steps to address this issue and protect their supporters.
Impersonation of political parties on social media is a serious problem that undermines trust in the democratic process. I hope the authorities can investigate this fraudulent account and take appropriate action.
Agreed. Social media platforms need to enhance their verification systems and work closely with political parties to quickly identify and remove any fake accounts.
It’s concerning to see fake social media accounts trying to spread misinformation under the Labour Party’s name. Vigilance from the public is crucial to combat these types of deceptive tactics. I hope the party can quickly regain control of their legitimate channels.
Agreed. Social media platforms need to do more to verify the authenticity of accounts and quickly remove any impersonators. This is an important issue for protecting the integrity of the political process.
This is a timely warning from the Labour Party. With the rise of disinformation online, it’s critical that the public remains cautious and checks the validity of any accounts claiming to represent political parties or candidates.
Absolutely. Fake social media accounts can be used to sway public opinion through misleading propaganda. Kudos to the Labour Party for being proactive in addressing this issue.