Labour Party in disarray as internal crisis threatens Abia local government election preparations | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Labour Party in Abia Faces Setback Ahead of Local Government Elections | #NwokeukwuMascot
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The Labour Party in Abia State is reportedly facing internal turmoil as it prepares for the upcoming local government elections. The party’s inability to navigate legal and administrative challenges has created what some insiders describe as a “nightmare scenario,” with key party structures being called into question.
At the heart of the issue is the party’s lack of a legally recognized National Working Committee (NWC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Darlyton-led caretaker committee, as well as the leadership of Julius Abure, the party’s National Chairman. This refusal has left the party in a precarious position, unable to move forward with crucial preparations for the elections.
In addition to these structural challenges, there appears to be growing dissatisfaction within the party's ranks over financial support from the state government. The zonal executive of the Labour Party, which covers the South-East region, is reportedly unhappy with Governor Alex Otti for not providing the expected level of funding to support party activities. This has allegedly led to a refusal by some party officials to sign key nomination forms required for the election, further stalling the party’s plans.
In a bid to move forward, the Labour Party announced the sale of expression of interest forms at a cost of ₦200,000, with the party nomination forms pegged at ₦500,000. However, without the NWC’s approval and signatures, the process remains at a standstill. The refusal by the NWC to sign off on these forms has compounded the party’s electoral preparations, raising concerns about whether it can effectively participate in the forthcoming local government elections.
Observers fear that unless these issues are resolved swiftly, the Labour Party may struggle to field candidates in the elections, potentially ceding ground to rival political parties. The internal disagreements over leadership and funding, coupled with INEC’s refusal to recognize key party structures, pose a significant hurdle for the party as the election date draws near.
Efforts to reach key party officials for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report, but sources within the party indicate that negotiations are ongoing in a bid to salvage the situation.
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