The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party on Friday in Umuahia, the state capital, convened a meeting of its State Working Committee (SWC) and 316 pro-groups and political structures, disclosing that the groups had been formally registered to align and work with the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Iroegbu Jason Emenike, explained that the meeting, which he described as strategic, formed part of the party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its grassroots structure, harmonise its growing support base and ensure effective coordination among groups that had indicated their commitment to the Labour Party and its candidates in the 2027 elections.

He recalled that the party, on July 14, 2026, opened an online registration portal for pro-groups, political structures and other support organisations interested in formally aligning with the party.

He said, “Since the opening of the portal, the party received registrations from over 316 groups, who wanted to work for the success of the party’s candidates at the state and national levels in the 2027 elections.”

Addressing the pro-groups at the party’s state headquarters in Umuahia, the State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubuike, said the engagement was necessary to sensitise and educate the registered groups on their expected roles and provide clarity on the framework for cooperation, integration and harmonisation with the party.

While stressing that the Labour Party welcomed groups and individuals genuinely prepared to work for the collective victory of the party and all its candidates, Azubuike said the party’s objective was not to build separate political camps but a united and coordinated movement capable of delivering victory across the board in 2027.

He said the state Labour Party would not identify with any pro-group unwilling to align with its collective agenda and work sincerely for the success of all its candidates in the forthcoming elections, assuring the registered groups of proper integration into the party’s activities and programmes.

He also tasked the groups to remain focused on the broader objective of sustaining the Labour Party and consolidating the progress recorded under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, stressing that the continued strength and success of the party were critical to protecting and sustaining the vision of the New Abia State.

The chairman, however, cautioned the groups against unconventional acts, including contravening the provisions of the Electoral Act, warning that the State Working Committee would continue to monitor their activities and level of commitment to ensure that every group operated within the agreed framework and remained committed to the collective agenda of the party.

He said the registered pro-groups would also be appropriately accommodated in the party’s expanded campaign structure based on their expected commitment and contributions, charging them to return to their respective bases, communities and networks to intensify mobilisation and political engagement in support of Governor Otti and all Labour Party candidates.

Responding to issues raised by the pro-groups relating to voter mobilisation, protection of votes, security and the need to ensure that committed groups were properly recognised and carried along in the party’s activities, the chairman assured them that the party would continue to play its role within the framework of the law and work with relevant institutions and stakeholders to promote a peaceful and credible electoral process.

He therefore tasked them to remain focused on their primary responsibility of mobilising their members and supporters, strengthening the party at the grassroots and ensuring massive participation during the elections.

In return, the pro-groups reaffirmed their commitment to the party and re-endorsed its candidates for the 2027 elections. (The Guardian)

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