The Labour Party in Ebonyi State has raised concerns over what it described as plans to manipulate the forthcoming local government elections, while, where and how the issue came up during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Abakaliki. The party leaders said they received signals suggesting that the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission may tilt the August council polls in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress. They vowed that any such move would be strongly resisted by the party and its supporters across the state.
During the briefing, the state chairman of the party, Henry Ude, said the Labour Party remains fully prepared to participate in the elections despite challenges in the process outlined by the state electoral body. He explained that the party had met all conditions required for participation and would submit its list of candidates to the commission as scheduled. He also stated that the party is ready to begin campaigns once the official timetable is released.
The party leadership dismissed claims that its State Executive Council is not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Ude maintained that the current leadership in the state is valid and known to both INEC and the party’s national secretariat. He referred to recent court decisions, including rulings from the Supreme Court and a Federal High Court in Abuja, which affirmed the party’s national leadership and directed INEC to update its records accordingly. He added that continued communication between EBSIEC and the state office of the party shows that the commission recognises the existing executive.
The State Secretary, Innocent Igiri, also spoke at the event. He warned that any attempt to alter the outcome of the election would be challenged. He said the party has followed due process and completed all necessary steps to take part in the polls. According to him, the Labour Party expects to make gains in several local government areas and wards.
Igiri further stated that the party operates only one recognised state secretariat and gave a 48-hour notice to individuals allegedly presenting themselves as officials of the party without approval to stop doing so.
The Labour Party leadership called on residents of Ebonyi State to remain alert and support the party during the election period. They urged voters to come out in large numbers and protect their votes in order to ensure a fair and credible electoral process in August.
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