The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has called on the Minister of Works and former governor of the state, Senator David Umahi, to prioritise governance and infrastructure development rather than engaging in what it described as divisive political rhetoric against former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.
The party also cautioned Umahi against what it termed personal attacks on Obi, urging him to allow the people of Ebonyi State to freely make their political choices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The LP made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its 2027 governorship candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze; candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh; Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Chief Henry Udeh; and Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Ogbodo Nwede Mitchell Nwabueze Michael.
The party appealed to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to reject divisive politics and protect the longstanding commercial, cultural and social relationships connecting communities across the South-East.
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According to the LP, political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy the historical ties between Ebonyi and Anambra states.
“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens,” the party said, describing the relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi as one built on decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce and mutual respect.
The party pointed to the contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson, to the economic development of Ebonyi State.
It argued that the longstanding economic and social interactions between the two states demonstrated their interdependence and should not be subjected to partisan political tensions.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the party declared, urging Ebonyians to exercise their democratic rights without being encouraged to see fellow Igbo people as political adversaries.
The LP maintained that every Nigerian was constitutionally entitled to support and vote for a candidate of his or her choice, stressing that political competition should be conducted with democratic tolerance and respect for divergent views.
LP Urges Umahi to Focus on Infrastructure
The party also challenged Umahi, in his capacity as Minister of Works, to concentrate on addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
“As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions,” the statement said.
The LP specifically identified the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as critical economic corridors in the South-East that require sustained attention and effective delivery.
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The party further criticised the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that its construction had negatively affected businesses, displaced traders and disrupted the livelihoods of some residents.
It questioned the socioeconomic impact of the project and argued that some affected residents continued to bear the consequences of the disruption to their businesses and means of livelihood.
Party Defends Obi Over Abakaliki Street Controversy
On the controversy surrounding the alleged renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State, the Labour Party said Obi should not be blamed for decisions allegedly taken by a subsequent administration.
The party argued that any grievance arising from the matter should be directed to the relevant authorities in Anambra State rather than used as a basis for attacking the former governor politically.
It also called for a more constructive approach to the ongoing debate over political zoning, arguing that the issue should not overshadow what it described as more pressing concerns, including good governance, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
The Labour Party urged political leaders across the South-East to place the welfare of citizens above personal and partisan interests.
It stressed that greater cooperation among the states remained essential to achieving sustainable development in the region.
“Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us,” the party said.
The statement comes as political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to intensify, with debates over regional interests, political alliances and the future direction of the South-East increasingly taking centre stage.
