By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP), recognized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has dismissed claims of boycotting the September 28 local government elections in the state.
Peter Okoye, Anambra State Chairman of the party, made this clear during a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, the state capital, on Tuesday.
He stated that the party would meet with major stakeholders, including its 2023 presidential candidate, next week to announce its programmes and subsequently participate in the polls.
Okoye also addressed the party’s leadership issues, noting that the tenure of National Chairman Julius Abure and former Anambra State Chairman Ugochukwu Emeh had expired.
He revealed plans to constitute caretaker committees to oversee party affairs pending congresses and convention.
According to Okoye, the Labour Party is registered and owned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
This came after a faction of the party led by Emeh considered boycotting the election due to alleged irregularities and concerns over Governor Charles Soludo’s manipulation of the electoral process.
The Emeh-led faction expressed concerns regarding the electoral process and recent amendments to the ANSIEC Law, resolving to challenge the amended law.
Engineer Theo Egbe, State Publicity Secretary, spoke on behalf of the group, demanding that the ANSIEC Law be restored to its original form and legitimate political party leadership be allowed to submit candidate lists.