Abia LP chairman assures aspirants of fair primaries

The new Labour Party Chairman in Abia State, Peter Azubuike, has assured that in the party’s forthcoming primaries, all aspirants will be given a fair chance to emerge as candidates for the 2027 elections.

In an interview with newsmen after the party congress in Umuahia on Saturday, Azubuike said, “What we want is our best 11. We are not going to compromise that, and rest assured that everybody will be given a fair chance. That is what primaries are all about.”

Speaking on what he intends to do differently, the state party boss said, “In the coming weeks, as we progress, you will begin to see a whole lot of vigour we are bringing. We are going to consolidate on what is already on the ground and see how it goes.

“I want to tell you that in every nook and cranny of our state, there are places that may not have been visibly engaged in the Labour Party.

“We are going to get to those roots, make sure that we bring people together and, of course, you know the governor has done a whole lot of work for us. He has even made it easier for us.

“People are already waiting for us to come and identify with them. So that is what we are going to be doing going forward.”

On allegations that the party in the state may adopt someone else for the presidential election, Azubuike said, “I can assure you, my work is within the state. I am the state chairman. Anything beyond the state has everything to do with the leader of the party, Dr Alex Otti, who is the governor of our state. But I can assure you that the Labour Party at the state level is very settled.”

He also used the opportunity to refute allegations that the party has concluded plans to grant automatic tickets to elected officials, stating, “As we progress, you will know. Of course, you see, we just came on board.

“When the time comes, we are going to know the mode of primaries that will be adopted or implemented by the party. For now, any other thing is just a mere rumour. Rest assured that everybody will be given a fair chance.”

Earlier, in his acceptance speech after the congress, Azubuike vowed to unite the party and strengthen it across the state. He commended party leaders for choosing him to lead and pledged to leverage the popularity of Governor Alex Otti to win elections across the state in 2027.