By Nkechinyere Ewa
Henry Udeh, has been elected as the Labour Party (LP) new state chairman in Ebonyi State .
He emergence followed a consensus-based congress that took place in Abakaliki on Saturday.
Leaders if the party said the Congress marks a strategic step toward the 2027 general elections.
The adoption of the consensus arrangement was moved by Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, with no dissent recorded.
Members of the State Executive Committee, including State Secretary Innocent Igiri, were also returned to office, consolidating the leadership structure ahead of the next electoral process.
The exercise was monitored by officials of the (INEC), alongside security agencies and representatives of the party’s national leadership, in line with statutory requirements.
Oko-Eze Splendor described the successful conduct of ward, local government, and state congresses as a defining moment for the LP in Ebonyi, declaring the party “one to beat” in 2027.
Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh commended the peaceful and orderly process, describing it as evidence of political maturity and organisational discipline. He, however, urged members to sustain unity and intensify mobilisation efforts, warning against complacency.
Udeh in his acceptance speech, pledged to provide inclusive and transparent leadership anchored on grassroots participation and institutional integrity. He emphasised that his administration would prioritise accountability, political education, and fairness in managing party affairs.
“I intend to serve as a master-servant to the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, ensuring fairness, equity, and responsible stewardship,” he said.
On preparations for the 2027 elections, Udeh noted that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership before commencing primary processes, assuring members that groundwork for the polls is already underway.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, stressing that candidates would emerge based on popularity and acceptance at the grassroots rather than financial strength.
Speaking on behalf of the national leadership, Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu Deputy National Woman Leader described the congress as peaceful and compliant with party guidelines, dismissing reports of factional divisions within the state chapter.
“The Labour Party in Ebonyi State remains one cohesive family,” she said, urging the new leadership to sustain unity and build a formidable structure ahead of 2027.
Party members expressed optimism that the outcome of the congress would reposition the LP for stronger electoral performance, pledging renewed commitment to grassroots mobilisation as the race toward 2027 gradually takes shape.