Chief Henry Udeh has been elected Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State following a peaceful and consensus-driven congress held on Saturday at the party’s secretariat in Abakaliki. The event marked a significant step in the party’s strategic preparations for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders emphasizing unity, internal democracy, and grassroots mobilization. The emergence of Udeh was ratified through a unanimous voice vote, reflecting broad consensus among party members and stakeholders.
The congress, attended by party faithful, key political figures, and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), proceeded without incident. The motion for consensus was moved by Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, who also serves as Deputy National Woman Leader of the LP. The adoption of the consensus arrangement was described by party officials as a clear sign of strong internal cohesion within the state chapter.
Alongside Udeh’s election, other members of the State Executive Committee, including State Secretary Mr. Innocent Igiri, were re-elected, reinforcing the existing leadership structure. The event also saw the presence of notable party figures such as Chief Splendor Oko-Eze, the LP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, and Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, the party’s 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency.
Chief Oko-Eze hailed the successful conclusion of ward, local government, and state-level congresses as a defining moment for the party. “The Labour Party ward, LGA, and state congresses have been successfully concluded in Ebonyi State to the glory of God Almighty. This is the party to beat in 2027. Victory is assured — forward ever, and God remains our helper,” he declared. Dr. Ezeh echoed this sentiment, praising the peaceful conduct of the congress as evidence of the party’s political maturity and organisational discipline.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Udeh pledged to lead with transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. He emphasized that leadership must be rooted in grassroots participation and institutional integrity. “The strength of any political organisation begins with its leadership. When leadership is properly aligned, the entire structure follows,” he stated. He also committed to a “master-servant” approach, ensuring fairness and responsible stewardship in managing party affairs.
Udeh confirmed that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the national leadership before commencing primary election processes. He stressed that candidatures would be based on grassroots popularity and acceptability, not financial power. “We are a grassroots-driven party. Tickets will be awarded to candidates chosen by the people, not those with the deepest pockets,” he assured.
Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, speaking on behalf of the national leadership, affirmed that the congress was peaceful and compliant with party procedures. She dismissed reports of factionalism, describing the state chapter as “one cohesive family.” She urged the new leadership to maintain unity and build a strong political structure for 2027.
Party members expressed optimism about the future, pledging renewed commitment to grassroots mobilization. The Labour Party in Ebonyi State is now focused on strengthening its foundation as it positions itself as a credible alternative in upcoming elections.
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