The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has pledged to oppose any alleged attempt by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to manipulate the upcoming local government elections in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the party’s state secretariat in Abakaliki, State Chairman Chief Henry Ude affirmed that the party had met all requirements to participate in the polls scheduled for August.
“After all the hurdles, we were able to meet our obligations concerning participation in the forthcoming local government election. By tomorrow, we will be submitting our list to EBSIEC, and we hope that the campaigns and the election proper will be transparent,” Ude said.
He dismissed claims that the party’s State Executive Council was not recognised by INEC, citing recent Supreme Court and Federal High Court rulings affirming the national leadership of the LP. Ude emphasised that EBSIEC’s continued communication with his office further confirmed the state executive’s legitimacy.
State Secretary Comrade Innocent Igiri warned that any attempt to rig the elections would be resisted by the people of Ebonyi State. “Any attempt by EBSIEC to rig the forthcoming 2026 Local Government election in Ebonyi State will be fully resisted. We are ready, and we are following due process. Our eyes are on the ball,” he said.
Igiri also clarified that the party operates only one recognised state secretariat, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to anyone falsely claiming to be LP officials.
The party urged residents to mobilise in support of the LP and ensure that their votes are protected, asserting confidence in securing significant gains across several local government areas and wards.