The reinstatement of David Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) by the Federal High Court in Abuja may have slowed down the planned defection of several political heavyweights in Imo State to the party.
The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with notable figures such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti opposing Abure’s leadership.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia last month, Obi and Otti supported the appointment of a caretaker committee, led by former Finance Minister Nenandi Usman, to steer the party through its internal challenges.
The legal battle between the Obi-Otti-backed Usman committee and the Abure-led faction has effectively divided the party into two rival camps.
In Imo State, a faction led by one Nelson Ezerioha has also formed its own caretaker committee.
Sources reveal that top political figures in the state, including a former governor and allies of a former senator, were said to be awaiting the resolution of the internal crisis before officially joining the party.
Online photos had showed former Governor Emeka Ihedioha in separate meetings with Governor Otti and Peter Obi.
This fueled speculations that Ihedioha is considering joining LP after his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, the political stalemate within the party is believed to be a key reason for his delay.
Insiders say that these political figures who want to cross over to the party are seeking total control of the party structure in order to advance their gubernatorial ambitions in 2027, but the ongoing court cases and leadership disputes remain significant obstacles.
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 Imo State governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, reaffirmed on Monday that the state’s current executive, led by Emeka Ihejiagwa, remains in control of the party’s affairs.
Achonu emphasized that no congress has been held to change the leadership and that Ihejiagwa remains the recognized State Chairman of the Labour Party in Imo State.
A statement from Chime Nzeribe, Director General of the Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, sought to clarify the situation following rumours that Ihejiagwa had been removed from his position after the Umuahia stakeholders’ meeting.
Nzeribe stressed that no such decision was made at the meeting, which Achonu personally attended.
“The fact remains that no congress has been held, and until such a congress takes place, Callistus Ihejiagwa remains the duly recognized State Chairman of the Labour Party in Imo State,” the statement affirmed.
Achonu also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of all internal disputes, emphasizing that the party’s focus should be on unity and strengthening its base rather than division.
