Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – February 11, 2026 — The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has issued a strong warning that it will firmly resist any attempt by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) to manipulate or rig the forthcoming Local Government elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party made the declaration during a press conference held at its state secretariat in Abakaliki, as preparations intensify for the council polls slated for August 2026.
While reaffirming its full commitment to participating in the elections, the Labour Party dismissed recent claims by EBSIEC that the party’s state executive council lacks recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). LP officials insisted that their leadership structure remains valid and duly acknowledged by both INEC and the party’s National Secretariat.
Speaking at the briefing, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Henry Ude, stated that although the guidelines and processes outlined by EBSIEC have not been entirely favourable to opposition parties, the LP has successfully met all stipulated requirements for participation. He expressed confidence that the party would submit its list of candidates to EBSIEC the following day, adding that members were fully prepared for both the campaign and election phases.
“After all the hurdles, we were able to fulfill all righteousness by meeting up with our obligations concerning our participation in the forthcoming local government election and by tomorrow we will be submitting our list to EBSIEC,” Chief Ude said. “We hope that the campaign and the election proper will be transparent and we the members of the Labour Party are fully prepared and when the timetable of EBSIEC comes out time for campaign.”
The state chairman further emphasised the Labour Party’s position as the primary opposition force in Ebonyi State, pledging a vigorous campaign to capitalise on widespread discontent with the ruling party. He pointed to recent controversies surrounding the sale of expression-of-interest and nomination forms by the APC, describing it as an opportunity for those who felt marginalised or “used and dumped” by the ruling party to seek redress at the polls.
“We will campaign vigorously because the Labour Party is the only opposition now that we can see in Ebonyi State,” Ude declared. “And with what has just happened during the sales of forms of the ruling party, this is an opportunity for those that were short-changed, those that were used and dumped.”
Addressing the controversy over the party’s leadership legitimacy, Chief Ude firmly rejected assertions by EBSIEC questioning the authenticity of the current state executive. He referenced recent judicial pronouncements to affirm the recognised leadership structure. According to Ude, the Supreme Court has already ruled in favour of the current national leadership of the Labour Party, headed by National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman and National Secretary Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
Ude further noted that a Federal High Court in Abuja, in a ruling delivered in January 2026, reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s decision and directed INEC to remove the name of Julius Abure from its records and replace it with that of Senator Nenadi Usman. He described contrary claims—particularly those associated with the former chairman—as baseless and inconsistent with the prevailing court judgments.
“If you have been following the general situation in the country, you will note that the Supreme Court has already given judgment concerning the leadership of the Labour Party in favour of our national chairman presently, Senator Nenadi Usman and the National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha,” Ude explained. “And the Federal High Court Abuja recently, this January, reaffirmed the decision of the Apex Court. And they also ordered INEC to remove the name of Julius Abure and replace them with that of Senator Nenadi Usman. So, as we speak, what the jettisoned Chairman is saying is baseless.”
The press conference comes amid heightened political tension in Ebonyi State as the August local government elections approach. The polls will determine the chairmanship and councillorship positions across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas and will serve as a critical test of political strength ahead of future general elections. The ruling APC, which controls the state government, has been accused by opposition parties of leveraging incumbency advantages to influence the electoral process.
EBSIEC, the state electoral body responsible for conducting the local polls, has yet to release the official timetable and detailed guidelines. However, the commission has maintained that it will operate independently and in line with applicable laws. The LP’s allegations of potential bias have not been formally responded to by EBSIEC at the time of this report.
The Labour Party’s stance reflects a broader pattern of opposition parties across several Nigerian states raising concerns about the impartiality of state electoral commissions, especially in jurisdictions controlled by the ruling party at the federal or state level. Analysts expect the coming months to see intensified political activity, legal manoeuvring, and public campaigns as parties position themselves for the August contest.
As the submission of candidate lists begins and the campaign window approaches, all eyes remain on Ebonyi State to see whether the elections will proceed transparently and whether the Labour Party can translate its vocal opposition into electoral gains.
