The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has pledged to resist any attempts by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to influence the upcoming Local Government elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
At a press conference at its secretariat in Abakaliki, the LP reaffirmed its commitment to participate fully in the August council polls, dismissing claims by EBSIEC that the party’s State Executive Council lacked recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
State Chairman Chief Henry Ude acknowledged that the process outlined by EBSIEC posed challenges but said the party had met all requirements for participation.
“After all the hurdles, we have fulfilled our obligations for the forthcoming local government elections. By tomorrow, we will submit our list to EBSIEC, and we trust that both the campaigns and the election will be conducted transparently,” Ude said.
Describing the Labour Party as the state’s only visible opposition, he confirmed readiness to campaign vigorously once the official timetable is released.
Ude dismissed allegations questioning the legitimacy of the party’s state leadership, asserting that the executive council remains recognised by INEC and the party’s National Secretariat. He cited recent judicial rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment and a Federal High Court decision in Abuja earlier this year, which upheld the national leadership of the party and directed INEC to implement the changes.
“The continued communication from EBSIEC to our office is proof that our state executive is duly recognised,” he added.
State Secretary Comrade Innocent Igiri warned against any electoral manipulation, vowing that the people of Ebonyi would resist any attempt to rig the elections.
“Any attempt to rig the 2026 Local Government elections in Ebonyi State will be fully resisted. We are prepared, following due process, and our eyes are on the ball,” Igiri said.
He confirmed the party had completed all necessary procedures for participation and expressed confidence in securing significant gains across multiple local government areas and wards.
Igiri reiterated that the party operates only one recognised state secretariat and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to individuals falsely claiming to be party officials.
The Labour Party urged residents to mobilise support and ensure that their votes are protected during the elections.
