Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The Labour party in Abia State has congratulated organised labour in Abia State on the occasion of the 2026 Workers’ day celebration.

The leadership of the party under the chairmanship of Hon. Peter Azubuike said it acknowledged the

PRESS STATEMENT

LABOUR PARTY ABIA STATE CONGRATULATES LABOUR UNIONS ON 2026 MAY DAY CELEBRATION

The leadership of the Labour Party in Abia State, under the chairmanship of Hon. Peter Azubuike, said it acknowledged the critical role of workers and organized labour in sustaining governance, driving productivity, and ensuring the socio-economic stability of Abia State.

In a press statement signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Emenike Iroegbu, the party further said that the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of workers remain the backbone of development and the engine that keep the machinery of government and society running.

The statement also encouraged workers to remain steadfast in their support to the governor.

The text read in parts:

“The Labour Party recognizes that the Party and the Labour Unions share a common ideological foundation, anchored on social justice, equity, and the unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of the common man.

” This historic and organic relationship continues to guide our collective efforts toward building a fair, inclusive, and prosperous society.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the core values of the Labour movement and to strengthening collaboration with Labour Unions in advancing policies and programmes that prioritize workers’ welfare, economic growth, and sustainable development in Abia State.

As workers commemorate this year’s May Day, we urge all union members to remain steadfast in their support for the transformational leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose administration has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to good governance, institutional reforms, and people-oriented development.

Together, we can consolidate the gains already made and build a stronger Abia State that works for all.

Says, “my time has come”

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

In response to the several calls by well wishes and brethren from Bende federal constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso had finally offered himself to contest for the 2027 general elections for Bende.

Pressures intensified for him to run for the seat at weekend has intensified calls for Chima Anyaso with many describing him as the preferred choice to lead a new era of representation.

At the gathering of political leaders, stakeholders, and community influencers across the constituency, the focus was on the need for someone like him to replicate the ongoing transformation seen in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti.

Speakers pointed to visible improvements in governance and infrastructure, stressing that Bende must not be left behind in the state’s development drive

Amid those calls for him to contest, Dr. Anyaso quenched the thirst of the people by declaring readiness and resolve to throw his heart into the ring.

“Across Abia, we are witnessing what focused, competent leadership can achieve real results, real transformation. Bende must not be left behind,” he said.

He said, “I am fully prepared to deliver clean, quality, and effective representation for our people. If entrusted with the mandate, I will not disappoint,”

The businessman-turned-political described the moment as both timely and decisive, hinting strongly at a potential bid.

“The time for excellence is now. The time for Bende is now. It is my season,” he declared.

Observers say the development signals a shift in Bende’s political landscape, as influential voices rally behind Anyaso, urging him to translate his growing support base into a formal candidacy.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As a precursor to the national convention coming up in a few days time, the Labour party in Abia State under the Nenadi Usman led executive has unveiled a new state working committee.

The Congress which took place at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia attracted party chieftains, national assembly members, national secretary of the party and members of the state executive council.

Before officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the organising committee, names of the new executive were announced with positions and thereafter the delegates affirmed through a voice vote acclaimed their positions.

The chairman of the state organising committee, Hon. Achọ Obiọma in his opening remarks, disclosed that the party had adopted a grassroots method which allows members to choose their preferred officers themselves and present a common front.

Governor Alex Otti congratulated the new SWC and urged members to work in unison. He said that it was the time to pursue a common goal from the same approach.

The governor commended the outgoing chairman, Emma Otti who he said “stood in the gap” when the party was in turmoil in the state. He equally encouraged him not to abandon the party now as more assignments could be given to him in future to execute.

The new chairman , Mr. Peter Azubuike thanked the party faithful for reposing such trust in them and assured of delivering positive results in 2027.

During an interview with journalists, the chairman who spoke tough said he would leverage the success of the party in governance to secure more wins in 2027.

“The truth is that we’re already starting on a good note. We have a good governor and the state is already on its high-rising. As for the party, what we will do is to support the government to ensure that we retain the seat come 2027 and I can assure you it’s not under probability whether we will or not.

“As for the government house come 2027, Labour party is already seated there, that’s one assurance we can give you, he said.

The chairman continued, “As to what we’re bringing new to the party, we’re going to bring in more energy, bring in vigour, we’re going to do serious membership drive to ensure that if there are aspects of Abia that are not yet captured by the labour party, we ensure we go into every nook and cranny of the state to make sure we capture it, he said.

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He further dismissed the All progressives Congress as a viable opposition party, saying they’re only pretending in the state to negotiate for a benefit from president Bola Tinubu.

“The only place APC exists outside Abia is Abuja. In Abia, I can assure you that if we even want to count opposition’s, APC is not even the first, they’re not even the second. For those who can actually attest to the realities on ground, they will let you know clearly that some of those who portray themselves as opposition maybe under the guise of APC, they’re doing that probably to see what they can get from Mr. President.

“I can assure you that this is no longer time for merchandising politics. Abians know fully well that Abia is Labour party,” he said.

On the lingering leadership tussle at the national level, Mr. Azubuike said the party was not in trouble anymore in the party as their issued had been resolved.

“I can tell you we used to have crisis in Labour party , but as at today, we’re no longer having crisis, the party has been fully recovered,” he concluded.

The national convention of the party is scheduled for the 28th of April, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, in Umuahia, Abịa State.