The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has warned it will resist any attempt by the state electoral commission to manipulate the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for August. The party declared its full readiness to participate while rejecting claims that its state leadership is unrecognised.
At a press conference in Abakaliki, LP State Chairman Chief Henry Ude acknowledged procedural challenges from the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) but affirmed his party had met all participation requirements. He stated the LP’s candidate list would be submitted to EBSIEC by the following day, expressing hope for a transparent process. Ude described the LP as the state’s only viable opposition and vowed vigorous campaigning once the official timetable is released.
The chairman directly countered EBSIEC’s alleged doubts about the legitimacy of the LP’s State Executive Council. He cited recent court rulings, including a Supreme Court judgment and a Federal High Court decision earlier this year, which affirmed the party’s national leadership and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update its records. Ude added that EBSIEC’s continued communication with his office constituted practical recognition of the state executive.
State Secretary Comrade Innocent Igiri issued a stark warning against electoral rigging. “Any attempt by EBSIEC to rig the forthcoming 2026 Local Government election in Ebonyi State will be fully resisted,” he said, asserting the party had completed all necessary processes and was confident of significant gains. Igiri also declared the LP operates only one recognised state secretariat and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to individuals falsely presenting themselves as party officials to cease such activities.
The leadership urged Ebonyi residents to mobilise and protect their votes, positioning the LP as the principal challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The statements set the stage for a potentially contentious local poll, with the LP challenging the electoral commission’s conduct and defending its legal standing ahead of the nomination submissions and campaign period.
