Labour Party chieftain and 2023 House of Representatives runner-up for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has issued a strong warning to the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), urging the commission to restore public confidence by conducting the forthcoming local government elections with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to its own guidelines.
Ezeh, in a press statement released in Abakaliki, expressed concern over reports that the Chairman and Secretary of EBSIEC allegedly declined to meet with Labour Party stakeholders led by Chief Henry Udeh (AjimBest), the party’s Ebonyi State Chairman.
He described the reported refusal as unnecessary, avoidable, and capable of deepening suspicion around the credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, electoral bodies derive legitimacy not merely from statutory establishment but from openness, impartial engagement, and equal treatment of all political parties.
He stressed that EBSIEC must demonstrate, in both conduct and action, that it is not beholden to partisan interests.
“With the local government elections approaching, EBSIEC stands at a critical crossroads. It must either restore confidence through transparent engagement or risk a democratic backlash that could undermine the credibility of the entire process,” Ezeh warned.
He further called on the Ebonyi State Government to allow EBSIEC to operate independently, free from political interference, noting that any attempt to compromise due process or manipulate electoral procedures would be firmly and lawfully resisted by opposition parties committed to protecting democratic norms.
Addressing growing concerns among voters and Ebonyians that APC nomination form is inaccessible or allegedly reserved for select individuals, insisting that LP is the alternative for those who who feel excluded by APC and reminded Ebonyians that the local government selection scheme is a sign of what will happen in 2027 general elections.
He assured Ebonyians that the Labour Party remains focused on presenting credible candidates and mobilising a united opposition capable of delivering a competitive and successful outing in the elections.
Ezeh reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to defending the constitutional rights of citizens to participate freely in the democratic process and to elect leaders who genuinely reflect the aspirations of the people at the grassroots.
In a related development, Labour Party stakeholders in Ebonyi State reaffirmed that there is only one authentic and legally recognised leadership structure of the party in the state.
They dismissed claims of parallel factions as false and misleading, particularly those still referencing an Abure-led faction.
The stakeholders cited the Supreme Court judgment in SC/CV/56/205, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman & Anor vs. Labour Party & Anor, delivered on 4 April 2025, as having conclusively settled the leadership question within the party.
They also referenced the Federal High Court ruling in FHC/ABJ/CS/2262/2025, whose enrolled order reinforced the apex court’s decision.
According to the statement, the Labour Party’s constitution recognises no parallel executives, and all official activities and communications in Ebonyi State must emanate from the Ebonyi State Executive Committee led by Chief Henry Udeh (AjimBest) as Chairman and Comrade Innocent Igiri as Secretary.
Ebonyi LP stakeholders emphasized that the party remains committed to internal discipline, the rule of law, and democratic accountability, adding that any individual or group misrepresenting the party’s structure would be resisted through lawful means.
As political activities intensify ahead of the local government elections, observers say the conduct of EBSIEC in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the polls inspire public trust or further inflame political tensions in Ebonyi State.
