A group known as the “Concerned Stakeholders for Internal Democracy”, Labour Party, Abia State Chapter, has warned of a possible implosion in the party over alleged imposition of candidates.
The group said allegations of candidate imposition and the subversion of internal democracy threaten to trigger a major crisis within the party.
According to the stakeholders in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, they recalled that the party’s rise was built on justice, fairness, and the will of the people, frowning that recent developments, show a dangerous shift toward “backdoor arrangements” and the sidelining of credible aspirants who helped build the party’s structure.
They said there is a threat to internal democracy, as information from across the three senatorial zones and federal constituencies suggests that some party leaders are scheming to handpick preferred candidates, denying hardworking aspirants a fair contest.
The group added that this move betrays grassroots supporters who see the LP as a break from the godfatherism of the past.
The stakeholders cited specific cases of alleged manipulation that have sparked tension within the party.
In Abia North Senatorial Zone, they alleged that Ude Oko Chukwu is being bypassed for Bordeaux. In Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, they claimed the incumbent, Hon. Munachim Alozie, is being pushed aside for “Abu Dhabi.”
They also pointed to brewing tensions in Bende Federal Constituency and the reported sidelining of “Manja” for “Ceaser” in Isiala Ngwa South.
The group warned that any attempt to stifle the democratic process would breed resentment, weaken the party ahead of the general elections, and ultimately collapse its unity.
They demanded the immediate cessation of all forms of candidate imposition across LGAs and constituencies, free, fair, and transparent primaries to allow members’ will to prevail, and strict adherence to the party constitution with equity and justice as guiding principles.
“The Labour Party belongs to the people, not a select few,” the stakeholders said. “The message from the grassroots is clear: No to imposition, yes to democracy. The leadership must retrace its steps immediately to avoid an avoidable implosion that will only benefit the opposition.”
