In what was easily interpreted as the manifestation of intra-party crisis in the Labour Party, LP, the State Governor, Alex Otti, has left the party out inthe cold and has shifted strategic support for an alternative political party arrangement in the state.
Through the governor’s quiet endorsement and strategic political consideration, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has now become the hub of politics at the third tier of government in the state.
The ZLP, which is an offshoot of LP, has been supporter by Governor Otti to win 15 out of the 17 councils in Abia state in the local government election held on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
The development underscores the disquiet in the LP and the potentialities of a massive implosion that may render the party prostrate, and unable to replicate its surprising if not almost magical performance in the 2023 general elections.
The Young Peoples Party (YPP) emerged victorious in the remaining two LGAs.
The results were announced by the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. George Chima, at the commission’s headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital, on Saturday, according to a report by THE PUNCH.
He said; “We have fulfilled the duty we were inaugurated on September 5 to carry out. It wasn’t an easy task, but we went above and beyond to raise awareness about the election across the state”.
Highlighting the significance of the election, he noted, “In recent times, this commission has not conducted an election with over 12 political parties participating. This, in itself, is a milestone for the commission.”
Chima confirmed that the election took place across all 17 LGAs of the state, stressing that the conduct was free, fair, and credible.
He added, “We have been able to complete a task that could typically take six to twelve months within a span of two months.”
The commission chairman congratulated both the winners and the opposition, emphasizing the need to maintain peace in Abia.
“In any election, there are winners and losers, but the most important thing is that Abia remains peaceful. I urge everyone to uphold this peace.”
He also expressed gratitude to security agencies for their support and commended political parties for “playing by the rules.”
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