The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has raised concerns over an alleged plan to manipulate the forthcoming 2026 Local Government elections, warning the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) against any attempt to compromise the electoral process in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a press briefing at the party’s state secretariat in Abakaliki, LP leaders reaffirmed their readiness to participate fully in the August council polls while demanding a transparent and credible election.
The party dismissed claims reportedly attributed to EBSIEC questioning the recognition status of its State Executive Council by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to the Labour Party leadership, the Ebonyi State executive remains duly acknowledged by both INEC and the party’s National Secretariat.
State Chairman, Chief Henry Ude, stated that despite procedural challenges outlined by EBSIEC, the party had met all requirements for participation in the 2026 Ebonyi LG elections.
“We have fulfilled every condition necessary for the local government polls. Our candidate list will be submitted to EBSIEC as scheduled. We expect the campaign period and the election itself to be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner,” Ude said.
He emphasized that the Labour Party is prepared to commence grassroots campaigns immediately after the official timetable is released, describing the LP as the most visible opposition party in Ebonyi State.
Addressing concerns about the party’s leadership structure, Ude referenced recent court rulings, including decisions by the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which he said affirmed the legitimacy of the party’s national leadership and directed INEC to update its records accordingly.
He further noted that EBSIEC’s continued official correspondence with his office serves as confirmation of the recognition of the state executive.
Also speaking, the State Secretary, Comrade Innocent Igiri, cautioned against any alleged attempt to rig the Ebonyi 2026 Local Government elections, warning that such actions would face stiff resistance from party members and supporters across the state.
“Any effort to manipulate the outcome of the upcoming LG polls in Ebonyi will be strongly resisted. We are committed to due process and democratic principles. We are vigilant,” Igiri stated.
Igiri added that the party had completed all statutory procedures required for the elections and expressed confidence in securing significant victories across various local government areas and wards.
The Labour Party also declared that it operates only one officially recognized state secretariat and issued a 48-hour notice to individuals allegedly presenting themselves as party officials without authorization.
The party called on Ebonyi residents to remain politically active, safeguard their votes, and support credible democratic processes ahead of the August 2026 council elections.
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