The Chairman of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, Chief Henry Ude, has dismissed claims that the party is collapsing into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ude made this statement after an expanded stakeholders’ meeting in Abakaliki, saying the party is open to joining a coalition to support Mr Peter Obi’s presidential bid but will maintain its structure and identity.
“The party is not merging or collapsing into any other party, but aligning within a coalition framework,” Ude clarified. “ADC and Labour Party, which one is strongest?
It’s the Labour Party, definitely not ADC.”
Speaking on the party’s readiness for the forthcoming local government elections in the state, the LP chairman explained that specific internal processes remain on hold due to unresolved court cases at the national level.
“We are still deliberating on all that because of some court issues at the national level. We have the forms and all necessary materials, but they will not be robbery forms. They will reflect the true values of the Labour Party,” he said.
Ude further urged voters to prioritise competence and integrity over wealth during elections, assuring that the party is committed to reducing financial barriers for aspirants.
“Don’t vote for people because they have money. Choose the right individuals. If possible, the Labour Party will even support aspirants financially. Let the people choose their leaders, not money choosing leaders,” he added.
Also speaking, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Splendour Oko, reaffirmed that the party’s structure remains strong and unshaken, while emphasising its commitment to supporting Peter Obi through the Obedient Movement.
Oko noted that supporters of Obi span different political parties, stressing that good governance, rather than party affiliation, is the movement’s core focus.
“During the last presidential election, it was not only Labour Party members who voted for Peter Obi in Ebonyi State. Even members of other parties did. Obedient members are everywhere.
Wherever Peter Obi is, we follow him because we believe he can deliver good governance,” Oko said.
The purpose of the expanded stakeholders’ meeting was to brief local government chairmen, secretaries, and state executives on recent developments within the party, according to the State Secretary of the party, Comrade Innocent Igiri.
Igiri also criticised the high cost of nomination forms charged by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the forthcoming local government elections, describing the fees as outrageous and insensitive.
“At a time when people are hungry and struggling to survive, a political party is charging as much as ₦30 million for nomination forms. How do you expect ordinary people to participate in governance?” he queried.
He described the development as “criminally inclined” and called for an investigation into the party’s leadership, urging Nigerians and Labour Party faithful to remain hopeful for change.
“The bad leadership will not continue. Corruption will not continue. The killings will not continue. Change is coming,” Igiri said.
