The Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State to ensure that its ongoing internal political disagreements do not degenerate into actions capable of threatening the peace and security currently being enjoyed by Abians.
In recent weeks, the public space has been flooded with conflicting statements, media exchanges, and political grandstanding by various interest groups within the APC over who should emerge as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Particularly, supporters of former Minister of State for Science and Technology, High Chief Henry Ikoh, and those backing Chief Eric Opah have continued to engage in public exchanges, with both camps vigorously attacking each other via the media.
The Labour Party in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Iroegbu Emenike on Saturday noted that “it is public knowledge that one of the major factors fueling the crisis within the Abia APC is the widespread perception that the party abandoned many of its long standing and loyal members in favour of individuals perceived to have acquired political influence through financial muscle.
“The merchandising of party tickets from the House of Assembly to Governorship and the preference for the highest bidders over committed party faithful have continued to generate resentment, division, and internal conflicts within the party.
“This unfortunate situation reflects a clear failure of leadership and internal party management within the Abia APC, the consequences of which are now manifesting in the ongoing struggle for the party’s governorship ticket”.
He stated that as a responsible ruling party, “we are not interested in knowing who emerges as the candidate of the APC or any other political party. However, we are concerned about the safety of Abians and residents, especially when political disagreements begin to spill into the public domain in a manner capable of heating up the polity.
“We therefore advise all Abia APC stakeholders, leaders, and supporters to conduct their political engagements responsibly and ensure that their differences are resolved within the framework of their party structures without disturbing public peace or causing anxiety among citizens”.
The Labour Party also called on security agencies in the State to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring political activities across party lines to ensure that no individual or group takes actions capable of disrupting law and order.
“We urge all political parties in Abia State to emulate the peaceful and democratic example demonstrated by the Labour Party during its primaries.
“Our party successfully conducted its congresses and primaries in a peaceful atmosphere, after which leaders, aspirants, candidates, and stakeholders closed ranks and remained united in pursuit of a common objective.
“Politics should be about ideas, service, development, and healthy competition, not bitterness, intimidation, or actions capable of creating unnecessary tension as demonstrated by the Abia APC”.
The Labour Party, however, assured the people of Abia State that the administration of Dr. Alex Otti, remains fully committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining the peaceful environment necessary for development, investment, and economic growth.
(The Whistler)