By Emeka Chiaghanam
The Labour Party (LP) has said it remains strong and focused
ahead of the 2027 general elections despite the exit of its 2023 presidential
candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that recent developments within the party show
continued unity and readiness for future polls.
The reassurance came as the party successfully concluded its
senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in Anambra State, producing
candidates for key constituencies through a consensus arrangement widely
described by party officials as peaceful and orderly.
The exercise, which took place in Awka, produced Venerable
Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue as the flag bearer for Anambra Central Senatorial
District. Others include Barrister Kachi Aghasili for Awka North/Awka South
Federal Constituency, Hon. Anthony Ikenna Okafor for Nnewi North/Nnewi
South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, and Mrs. Ifeoma Obii-Okoye for
Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency.
The Returning Officer, Iduma Christian Mayor, who announced
the results, described the primaries as smooth, transparent, and well
coordinated. He congratulated the candidates, urging them to carry the party’s
message of grassroots engagement into the wider electorate.
In their separate acceptance remarks, the newly elected
candidates pledged to work closely with constituents and party leaders to
strengthen the Labour Party’s presence across the state. They also called for
unity among members, stressing that internal cohesion would be key to success
in the 2027 elections.
Venerable Ikezue, the Anambra Central senatorial candidate,
said his nomination marked the beginning of what he called a “service-driven
mission” aimed at improving development outcomes across the district. He urged
party members to remain committed and protect what he described as the
“people’s mandate” through active participation and mobilisation.
Barrister Aghasili, who emerged as candidate for Awka
North/Awka South, thanked supporters for their confidence, adding that her
focus would be on improving welfare and development across communities in her
constituency. She also urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation
efforts, saying the party remains a strong platform for delivering democratic
benefits to the people.
Mrs. Ifeoma Obii-Okoye, representing
Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, described her emergence as a
moment of renewed hope, calling for unity and collective effort among party
members to achieve electoral success. She said her campaign would centre on
restoring dignity and improving opportunities for ordinary citizens.
Hon. Anthony Ikenna Okafor, the candidate for Nnewi
North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, said he would work closely
with stakeholders to strengthen development in the area, particularly in
boosting the economic profile of Nnewi as an industrial hub. He pledged to
align his efforts with the broader mission of the Labour Party.
Speaking on behalf of the party leadership in the state,
Anambra LP Chairman, Hon. Peter Okoye, commended stakeholders, including INEC,
security agencies, civil society groups, and the media, for ensuring a smooth
process. He expressed confidence that the party remains well positioned to
perform strongly in the 2027 elections and retain its existing seats.
Okoye reaffirmed that the Labour Party remains rooted in its
identity as a workers’ party with historical ties to the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). He added that the party
would continue to uphold discipline, strengthen internal structures, and expand
its support base ahead of the general elections.
With the primaries concluded, party leaders say attention
will now shift to mobilisation and reconciliation efforts as LP positions
itself for what it hopes will be another strong electoral outing in 2027.
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