The Labour Party, Abia State Chapter, led by Hon. Emmanuel Nweze Oti says it has noted a radio announcement by former Chairman, Ceekay Igara, directing the public on where to buy nomination forms for the upcoming Local Government Elections.
In a statement on October 3, 2024, Acting State Chairman Emmanuel Nwaeze Oti urged party members to disregard any unauthorized announcements from Igara."
“The public is urged to ignore the unauthorized and misleading announcement, as Mr. Igara's tenure, along with that of other state and national committee members, has expired, leading to INEC's withdrawal of their recognition.
“Consequently, the party established a National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman.
“All statements or instructions regarding party affairs must come from the Caretaker Committee. Any contrary claims should be considered impersonation and reported to the relevant authorities”, the release quoted.
He stated that the Labour Party in Abia State is committed to avoiding extortion and deception in its dealings.
“The Labour Party Abia State is not interested in extorting members of the public nor obtaining money from them by trick, hence we are poised to ensure that the sale of forms and selection of candidates are done in a responsible, orderly and peaceful manner so as to ensure that peace reigns even after the exercise”.
Additionally, Comrade Njoku StJerry Ajike, the State Publicity Secretary, has officially confirmed the commencement of form sales for aspiring candidates. He stressed the importance of following the correct channels for information, urging all aspirants to visit the party secretariat for accurate updates.
He also cautioned them to disregard any announcements that do not come directly from him or the Acting State Chairman, emphasizing that this measure is intended to ensure that all candidates receive reliable and consistent information as they prepare for their participation in the upcoming electoral process.
Recall that, following a decision by party stakeholders led by Abia State Governor Alex Otti to restructure the party, it was announced that the Abure-led NWC has ceased to exist after the expiration of their tenure.
At a September meeting attended by 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, stakeholders officially reconstituted the party’s leadership. They appointed former Finance Minister Nenadi Usman to chair the caretaker committee and former Senate Minority Whip Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary of a 29-member National Caretaker Committee to oversee the Congress and convention for electing new executives.
