Stakeholders of the Labour Party in Abia State, under the banner of Concerned Stakeholders for Internal Democracy, have raised concerns over alleged plans to impose candidates ahead of future elections, warning that such actions could trigger internal crisis within the party.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group expressed worry that recent developments within the party point to attempts to sideline credible aspirants in favour of selected candidates, contrary to the principles of internal democracy on which the party was built.
According to the stakeholders, the Labour Party’s popularity among Nigerians is anchored on fairness, justice, and respect for the will of party members, but alleged emerging practices threaten to undermine these values.
They claimed that reports from the three senatorial districts and several federal constituencies in Abia State suggest that some party leaders are attempting to handpick candidates instead of allowing open and transparent primaries.
The group further alleged instances of discontent in various constituencies. In Abia North Senatorial District, it claimed that Ude Oko Chukwu is being sidelined in favour of Bordeaux. In Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, it alleged that incumbent lawmaker Hon. Munachim Alozie is being replaced by Abu Dhabi. Similar tensions were also reported in Bende Federal Constituency and Isiala Ngwa South, where the group alleged attempts to substitute Manja with Ceaser.
The stakeholders warned that any move to suppress internal democracy could deepen divisions within the party, weaken its electoral chances, and erode trust among grassroots supporters.
They called for an immediate halt to any form of imposition, urging the party leadership to ensure free, fair, and transparent primaries in line with the party’s constitution.
Reaffirming their position, the group maintained that the Labour Party belongs to its members and not a select few, stressing that only credible democratic processes can sustain unity and credibility ahead of future elections.
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