By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has concluded its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, producing candidates for the governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions.
The exercise, which was conducted in Abakaliki, saw the emergence of Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze as the party’s governorship candidate, while the state chairman of the party, Chief Henry Chima Ude, emerged as the candidate for Ebonyi South Senatorial District.
Chairman of the Labour Party Primary Election Committee in Ebonyi State, Nwobodo Bernard, commended party members, security agencies and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and successful exercise.
He said the conduct of the primary demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and unity.
Bernard particularly praised security agencies for providing adequate security throughout the exercise and thanked party leaders at the state, local government and ward levels for their cooperation.
He noted that the peaceful conduct of the election would serve as a positive report to the party’s national leadership.
“We are happy with the peaceful nature of the exercise. Everything documented here will be forwarded to the national headquarters, and I believe the national leadership will be proud of Ebonyi State.
Our hope is that when next we hear from Ebonyi, it will be news of victory for the Labour Party,” he said.
The committee chairman also urged the party’s candidates not to wait until the official commencement of campaigns before reaching out to voters.
According to him, the task of mobilization, grassroots engagement and building political structures should begin immediately.
Speaking after the primaries, Ude described the exercise as transparent and democratic, expressing confidence that the Labour Party was fully prepared for the 2027 elections and ready to provide an alternative platform for good governance.
According to him, the growing hardship in the country has increased the desire for change among Nigerians, adding that the party would embark on aggressive grassroots campaigns across the state and the nation.
He urged party supporters to remain committed and ensure that their votes count during the elections.
Also speaking, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Splendor Oko Eze, expressed gratitude to party delegates for the confidence reposed in him.
He said his emergence was a call to service and an opportunity to pursue his vision of transforming Ebonyi State through industrialization and economic development.
Eze said job creation would be one of his top priorities if elected governor, noting that many graduates and skilled youths in the state remain unemployed despite their qualifications.
He pledged to attract investments, establish industries and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The party also presented candidates for various National and State Assembly positions, including Akuma Shadrach, who emerged as the Labour Party candidate for the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency.
Shadrach pledged to prioritize youth empowerment, healthcare, education and effective representation if elected.
Highlighting his agenda, Shadrach said he had previously empowered hundreds of young people through skills acquisition programmes, agricultural support initiatives and the distribution of work tools.
He promised to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders and constituents to address their pressing needs.
The candidates used the occasion to unveil their programmes ahead of the 2027 elections, with a strong emphasis on job creation, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare delivery and inclusive governance.
They maintained that the Labour Party remains committed to addressing the challenges facing the people through people-oriented policies.
They also called on eligible voters, especially young people, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process, expressing optimism that the party would record significant victories in Ebonyi State during the 2027 general elections.