…Dismisses Abure faction as ‘headless snake’
By Steve Oko
The Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Hon. Peter Azubuike, has declared that the party is stronger, more united and better positioned than ever to dominate the 2027 general elections, attributing the confidence to Governor Alex Otti’s performance in office.
Azubuike also dismissed the faction led by Julius Abure, describing it as “a headless snake” that no longer poses any political threat to the party.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the party secretariat in Umuahia, Azubuike said the Labour Party had consolidated its structures across the state, reconciled aggrieved members, strengthened its grassroots base and developed a clear roadmap for future elections.
According to him, the achievements of the Otti administration have transformed Abia’s political landscape, attracting more supporters and prominent politicians to the party.
“Our vision is practical and people-centred. For us, it is less about rhetoric and more about delivering tangible results,” he said.
Describing the Labour Party as “a party for all,” Azubuike said its philosophy is anchored on people-oriented governance.
He explained that one of the first tasks of the new state executive was to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen internal unity.
“We first embarked on consolidation, reached out to those who felt aggrieved and ensured everyone was brought together on the same page,” he said.
The chairman said the party subsequently held its first extraordinary leadership and stakeholders’ meeting, where it adopted a comprehensive roadmap to deepen grassroots mobilisation, improve party financing and prepare for future elections.
He added that the party adopted consensus and affirmation during its primaries to minimise disputes and preserve unity, noting that aspirants who did not secure tickets had since been integrated into the party’s campaign structure.
Azubuike expressed confidence that the Labour Party now has stronger political structures across Abia than any other party.
“It is not just because we are the ruling party. We are more firmly rooted on the ground than any other political party,” he said.
He noted that unlike in 2023, when the party relied largely on political alliances, it now controls political structures across the state.
“Today, we have councillors, local government chairmen and members of the House of Assembly. More than 90 per cent of the members of the State House of Assembly belong to the Labour Party,” he said.
According to him, the party continues to attract influential politicians because of the administration’s performance.
“The influx of new members is clear evidence. If the party were not performing, these people would not be joining us,” he said.
Azubuike boasted that the Labour Party would record a comfortable victory if elections were held today.
“If elections were conducted today, we would have won before 2 p.m. You can take that to the bank,” he said.
He attributed the confidence to what he described as the renewed hope and sense of liberation among Abia residents under Governor Otti’s administration.
“Abians now feel liberated. They have regained the pride of being citizens of God’s Own State. That is one of the major achievements of this government,” he added.
On the lingering leadership dispute involving the faction loyal to Julius Abure, Azubuike insisted there is only one recognised Labour Party and dismissed the faction as politically irrelevant.
“There is no cause for concern. The Labour Party remains one united family,” he said.
He likened the Abure faction to “a snake whose head has been cut off,” saying its activities no longer pose any threat to the party.
“We know the head is no longer there. The body may still be moving, but it makes no difference,” he said.
Nevertheless, he extended an olive branch to members of the faction.
“The room is open. It is a large house, and they are free to return,” he added.
Azubuike also dismissed claims that the party’s popularity in Abia was driven solely by the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi.
According to him, Governor Otti had built a formidable political movement in the state long before the 2023 elections.
“Otti’s political wave is organic. It has been here since 2015,” he said.
He maintained that Governor Otti’s performance had further strengthened the party’s acceptance across the state and positioned it for sustained electoral success.
“The governor has already set a pace that everyone can see. If he has achieved this much in about three years, imagine what eight years will look like,” he said.
Azubuike assured residents that the Labour Party would continue consolidating on its achievements as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
