Chief Henry Udeh was formally confirmed as chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State on Saturday following a consensus‑based congress held at the party secretariat in Abakaliki. The unanimous voice vote, moved by Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, was presented as evidence of strong internal cohesion within the state chapter.
The congress, attended by party faithful, senior officials and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also re‑elected members of the State Executive Committee, including State Secretary Mr. Innocent Igiri. By retaining the existing leadership structure, the LP aims to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prominent party figures were present, among them the 2023 Ebonyi governorship candidate Chief Splendor Oko‑Eze and former House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh. Both praised the orderly conduct of the congress. Oko‑Eze described the successful completion of the ward, local government and state congresses as a “defining milestone” and projected the Labour Party to be “the party to beat in 2027.” Dr. Ezeh highlighted the peaceful proceedings as a sign of political maturity, contrasting it with internal crises he said have beset other parties.
In his acceptance speech, Udeh pledged inclusive, transparent and accountable leadership rooted in grassroots participation. “The strength of any political organisation begins with its leadership. When leadership is properly aligned, the entire structure follows,” he said, adding that the party would operate an “open system” where all opinions are considered. He emphasized integrity, honesty and political education as central to his administration and described his role as a “master‑servant” to the party.
Regarding preparations for the 2027 elections, Udeh noted that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the national LP leadership before commencing primary elections. “We are awaiting directives from the national body. Preparatory efforts are already underway, and we will act decisively when the time comes,” he explained. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, stating that candidacies will be awarded based on grassroots popularity rather than financial capacity.
Deputy National Woman Leader Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, speaking on behalf of the national leadership, described the congress as peaceful, orderly and fully compliant with party procedures, dismissing reports of factional divisions. She urged the newly elected officials to maintain unity and strengthen the party’s structure to achieve electoral success in 2027.
The congress concluded with party members expressing optimism that the leadership’s consensus and renewed focus on grassroots mobilisation will enhance the Labour Party’s prospects in future elections, positioning it as a credible alternative in Ebonyi State and nationally.
