From Chuks Moses, Awka
The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Labour Party in Anambra state, led by Hon. Ugochukwu Emeh, has thrown its weight and support behind the Barrister Julius Abure-led National executive of the party.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognised and published the list submitted by the Abure-led executive committee for the gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
The Party primary for the Governorship tickets conducted by Abure-led executive committee was monitored by officials of INEC, while those of Apapa’s group were ignored by INEC.
INEC published the names of Mr. Udengs Eradiri as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party for Bayelsa State, Mr. Okeme Adejoh for Kogi State and Mr. Athan Nneji for Imo State.
In Anambra, the executive committee expressed unflinching support to the party’s presidential flagbearer in the February 25, 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, in their ongoing legal battle at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to recover their mandate.
Addressing a press conference shortly after the SEC meeting in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Saturday afternoon, Emeh, together with members of the Anambra SEC read out the resolutions dissociating the state from what he described as “the rabble rousing misconduct and clout chasing by some misguided fellows led by one Alh Lamidi Apapa.”
The resolution read in part, “… At the conclusion of the meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council of the Labour Party, the Local Government Chairmen/Secretaries, the National/State Assemblies-elect on the platform of the party resolved that;
*a vote of confidence is hereby passed on the national leadership of LP led by National Chairman of our great party, Barrister Julius Abure; the National Secretary-Alh Umar Farouk Ibrahim; the National Organizing Secretary-Chief Clement Ojukwu; and the Treasurer.
*that the vote of passed on the national leadership was in regards to the sterling performance they have rendered to the party in their various capacities as National officers and leaders of the party.
*We also resolved that the Alh Lamidi Apapa and his pocket group’s attempt to fractionalize the leadership of LP was an attempt in futility and an unwarranted meddlesomeness that should not be allowed at all.
*We therefore urge Alh Apapa and his co-travellers to retrace their steps, so that history will be kind to them.
*We therefore stand with the national leadership of Barrister Julius Abure and his executive, in every step of the way.
*We also stand with, and give an unflinching support to our presidential flagbearer, HE Peter Obi in his efforts to recover his mandate at the ongoing Presidential Election Petitions tribunal. He has our full backing and support… ”
Emeh urged all peace loving citizens to stay away from Alh. Apapa and his group as they do not mean well for Nigeria, democracy and supporters of Mr. Obi.