2027: LP to Umahi: Stop attacks on Obi, focus on governance

…Calls on Ndigbo to reject divisive politics

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has urged the Minister of Works and former governor of the state, Senator David Umahi, to focus on governance and infrastructure delivery rather than what it described as divisive political rhetoric against former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi.

The party also cautioned Umahi against personal attacks on Obi, urging him to allow Ebonyians to freely make their political choices in the 2027 elections.

The LP made the call in a statement jointly signed by its 2027 governorship candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze; candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh; Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Chief Henry Udeh; and Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Ogbodo Nwede Mitchell Nwabueze Michael.

The party also called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to reject divisive politics and preserve the commercial, cultural and social relationships that have historically connected communities across the South-East.

The LP said political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine the longstanding ties between Ebonyi and Anambra states.

“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens,” the party said, describing the relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi as one founded on “decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect.”

It cited the contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson, to the economic development of Ebonyi State.

The party argued that the historical interactions between the two states demonstrated their interdependence and should not be subjected to the pressures of partisan politics.

“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the LP declared, urging Ebonyians to exercise their political rights without being persuaded to regard fellow Igbo people as adversaries.

The party maintained that every citizen was constitutionally entitled to support and vote for a candidate of his or her choice, adding that political competition should be conducted within the bounds of democratic tolerance.

It said the more pressing responsibility of a serving minister was to address the infrastructure and development challenges confronting Nigerians.

“As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions,” the party stated.

The LP specifically cited the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as major economic corridors in the South-East requiring sustained attention and effective delivery.

The party also criticised the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that its execution had affected businesses, displaced traders and disrupted the livelihoods of some residents.

It questioned the socio-economic consequences of the project and said affected citizens continued to bear the impact of the disruption to their businesses and livelihoods.

On the controversy over the alleged renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State, the LP said Obi should not be held responsible for decisions taken by a subsequent administration.

It argued that any grievance arising from the decision should be directed to the relevant authority in Anambra State rather than used as a basis for political attacks against the former governor.

On the contentious issue of zoning, the party said the debate should not overshadow what it described as more fundamental concerns, including governance, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development.

The LP urged political leaders to place the welfare of citizens above personal and partisan considerations, stressing that the South-East could only advance through cooperation and collective development.

“Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us,” the party said.

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