By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has unveiled an ambitious plan to mobilize supporters across all 326 wards of the state ahead of its forthcoming congresses, national convention, and future elections.
The state chairman of the party, Mr. Peter Okoye, announced the plan during the party’s July meeting with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) political committees across the state and the various local government areas.
Okoye said the ward-to-ward sensitization tour would strengthen the party’s grassroots structures.
He also disclosed plans to establish a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting the party’s welfare-driven ideology.
“The Labour Party belongs to Nigerian workers, and they must be represented at every level of the party—from the ward to the national structure,” he said, urging members to be proactive as the party prepares for key political activities.
Reaffirming loyalty to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Nenadi Usman-led Labour Party, Okoye commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Victor Umeh, and Dr. Tony Nwoye for what he described as their exemplary leadership.
On the party’s internal leadership tussle, he warned that members still associating with former National Chairman Julius Abure were “daydreaming,” stressing that the Supreme Court judgment of April 4 had stripped Abure of any role in the Labour Party.
The meeting was attended by former NLC state chairmen Charles Onyeagba and Jerry Nnubia, who now serve as chairman and secretary of the NLC political committee in the state.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of Harvard-trained lawyer Ms. Kachi Aghasili, who formally declared her intention to contest the Awka North and South Federal Constituency seat in 2027 on the Labour Party platform.
Aghasili, a native of Nise, explained that after many years in the United States, she decided to return home because of her passion for public service.
“My intention is not to remain abroad,” she said. “I have invested at home and I am committed to contributing my quota. I am not coming in as a typical politician but as a worker, and I chose the Labour Party because of what it stands for. I have come home to serve, not to make money.”
She praised the NLC for its pioneering role in establishing the Labour Party and urged members to support her vision for quality representation.
Her remarks drew commendations from party stalwarts.
Former NLC chairman Charles Onyeagba described her as a “quintessential representative of the Labour Party,” noting that she embodies values similar to those of Peter Obi.
“One thing going for you is that you have a career before politics. Harvard elevated your profile. Don’t derail like others,” Onyeagba advised.
Other speakers, including Barrister Emma Udoaka and NLC secretary Jerry Nnubia, lauded her passion and early identification with the party.
Nnubia assured her of support, saying, “You started well by joining the workers’ party—a serious platform. Having identified with us this early gives you an edge.”
Similarly, Mr. Ejike Chideblu from Ebenebe in Awka North declared his interest in contesting a seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2027.
Several other aspirants also indicated their readiness to seek elective positions on the party’s platform when the time comes.
In his closing remarks, the state chairman, Peter Okoye, emphasized that the nomination of candidates in 2027 will be a more thorough process, unlike the hasty approach of 2023.
“You must have a stake in the party before you will be considered for anything,” he said, adding “It will be a different ball game. If you do not have a stake, you won’t hold.”
He praised Onyeagba and Nnubia for their contributions toward building a stronger and more formidable Labour Party structure in Anambra State.
