2027: Abia LP Chairman Expresses Confidence, Says Party Would Win before 2pm if Elections Were Held Today
The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Hon. Peter Azubuike, has expressed confidence in the party’s strength and popularity across the state, declaring that it would emerge victorious if elections were conducted today.
Azubuike made the assertion during an interactive media session held at the Labour Party headquarters in Umuahia, where he fielded questions from journalists on the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections,issues surrounding the party and other political developments in the state.
According to him, the Labour Party remains united, focused, and firmly rooted across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, adding that the party continues to enjoy overwhelming support from the electorate.
“If elections were conducted today, before 2 p.m. we would have won the election,” he said, insisting that the confidence stems from the party’s performance, grassroots support, and the trust reposed in it by the people of Abia.
The party chairman explained that one of the first steps taken by the current leadership was to consolidate the party by reconciling aggrieved members and bringing them back into the fold.
“Consolidation was the first thing we did when we came on board. We reached out to aggrieved members and brought them back to our side because the Labour Party is one family built on love,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the party’s primary elections, where some aspirants who purchased nomination forms eventually stepped down for consensus candidates, Azubuike maintained that the process strengthened rather than weakened the party.
“There is no winner-takes-all in the Labour Party. When one person wins, everyone wins. That is the spirit of brotherhood that exists in our party. Labour Party is driven by family values, which is why there was no rancour after the primaries.”
He added that even members who initially had grievances have since joined the campaign efforts for the party’s consensus candidates.
On the party’s expanding membership, Azubuike disclosed that prominent politicians, including Reagan Ufomba and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, have joined the Labour Party, noting that its doors remain open to more people willing to identify with its vision.
“When you have the masses, you have the structure. We have everything it takes to win the 2027 elections.”
Speaking on the challenges facing the party, the chairman described them as “friendly challenges,” revealing that the party would soon distribute vehicles to members of the State Working Committee (SWC) to improve mobility and enhance grassroots mobilization.
“In terms of grassroots acceptance, we are well grounded.”
Commenting on the expected contest in the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Azubuike expressed confidence that the member representing the constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, would defeat former Minister Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha if they meet again at the polls.
He argued that Ogah’s achievements and empowerment programmes within three years in office far outweigh Onyejeocha’s 16-year tenure in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2023.
On the leadership dispute within the Labour Party, Azubuike dismissed the faction loyal to Julius Abure, describing it as “dead on arrival.”
According to him, the courts have already recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as the leader of the party following the expiration of Abure’s tenure.
Reacting to reports that Ceekay Igara would emerge as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Azubuike described the claim as “ridiculous,” questioning Igara’s capacity and competence to govern Abia State.
He stressed that no individual could claim ownership of the Labour Party.
“The Labour Party was not built by one individual. Organisations like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are integral parts of the party. No single person can lord it over the Labour Party.”
On concerns that the “Obi wave,” which contributed to the party’s success in 2023, may not be available in 2027 following Peter Obi’s exit from the party, Azubuike insisted that Governor Otti enjoys his own organic political support.
He noted that Otti had contested elections consistently since 2015 and remained a formidable opposition figure before eventually winning the governorship election in 2023.
While acknowledging that Obi’s popularity contributed to Otti’s victory, he maintained that the governor’s performance in office has now created what he described as the “Otti wave.”
“Otti’ sterling performance and the restoration of the dignity of Abians will earn him and other Labour Party candidates victory in 2027. Abians are now proud to be identified as Abians because of the remarkable transformation under his administration, and they will reward him with their votes to continue his good work.”
The press conference was attended by members of the Labour Party State Working Committee, including the Deputy State Chairman, Emmanuel Alozie; the State Woman Leader, Elizabeth Kalu; the State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emenike; as well as other party stakeholders.
