The call was made during the Abia North Senatorial District Labour Party Stakeholders and Candidates Strategic Summit held in Abiriba, where party leaders, elected officials, candidates and grassroots mobilisers met to chart a common political direction for the forthcoming elections.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu declared that the Labour Party would once again prove its popularity at the polls, insisting that unlike other political parties, Labour Party allows its performance and election results to speak louder than political propaganda.
He reminded stakeholders that Abia North was the only senatorial district that delivered all five local government areas to the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, expressing confidence that the feat would not only be repeated but surpassed in 2027.
According to him, the objective is not merely to win elections but to secure overwhelming victories that would leave no room for unnecessary post election litigations.
“The victory must be comprehensive and compelling enough to discourage opponents from going to court,” the Deputy Governor declared.
Emetu charged every stakeholder to immediately return to the grassroots and begin aggressive mobilization, insisting that there must be no excuse for losing any polling unit, ward or local government.
He further warned against anti party activities, stressing that every Labour Party member must support all candidates flying the party’s flag, from the National Assembly elections to the governorship and State House of Assembly contests.
The Deputy Governor frowned at any arrangement where party members would support candidates of other political parties during legislative elections while supporting Governor Alex Otti for governorship, describing such actions as a betrayal of party loyalty and collective responsibility.
“Come 2027, Abia North will speak with one voice in only one party, the Labour Party,” he declared.
Highlighting the achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, Emetu pointed to significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, security, investment and hospitality, revealing that two five star hotels are already on their way to Abia State.
He described the summit as timely and significant, noting that Governor Alex Otti had continued to build public confidence through good governance since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
According to him, the administration has fundamentally transformed the development trajectory of the state and there is no justification for allowing the progress to be reversed.
“Nobody should come and take charge of this state after the great things we have done,” he added.
He also issued a stern warning against any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, insisting that Labour Party members would resist every form of electoral malpractice and ensure that the will of the people prevails.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Abia Arise Coordinator, Chief Nkem Okoro, said the gathering was long overdue following the party’s victory in the 2023 elections.
He urged party members to move beyond the primary election process and focus on securing victory for all Labour Party candidates in the general election.
According to him, while Abia North had historically played a significant role in determining the political direction of the state, the time had come for stakeholders to unite and consolidate the gains already recorded by the party.
The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce called on party members to speak with one voice and remain focused on returning Governor Alex Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and all Labour Party candidates in 2027.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Agbaeze, reaffirmed his support for the party’s candidates, expressing confidence that the Labour Party would retain the governorship while winning other elective positions across Abia North.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, also urged members to remain committed to the party’s vision, insisting that the Labour Party remained well positioned for victory.
Speaking on behalf of local government officials, the Mayor of Ohafia, Chief Eleanya Kalu, assured party leaders that grassroots structures across the local governments were fully mobilised and prepared for the electoral task ahead.
He attributed the confidence of party supporters to what he described as the performance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, adding that local government officials would continue to intensify voter registration, membership drive and grassroots engagement.
Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, thanked party supporters for their commitment and urged members to remain vigilant in protecting their votes during the elections.
He encouraged stakeholders not to relent in supporting Governor Otti, assuring them that the administration would continue to justify the confidence reposed in it.
Also addressing the summit, the Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, stressed the need for deliberate electoral planning rather than relying solely on optimism.
He urged the party to strengthen its official structures ahead of the elections, noting that the Labour Party—not affiliated support groups—would appear on the ballot paper.
According to him, strengthening party identity at the grassroots would reduce voter confusion and improve electoral performance.
In his address, the Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate and convener of the meeting, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, declared that the summit demonstrated that the Labour Party in Abia North was united, organised and fully prepared for the 2027 elections.
He acknowledged an earlier gathering of non-partisan leaders, professionals and stakeholders under the Alliance for Good Governance in Abia State, describing their endorsement of Governor Alex Otti’s administration as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to continuity in governance.
