A group under the umbrella of Concerned Stakeholders for Internal Democracy, Labour Party Abia State Chapter, has raised alarm over what it described as alleged plans to impose candidates within the party, warning that such actions could trigger a major crisis ahead of future elections.
In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, the group said the Labour Party’s growth and acceptance among Nigerians were built on justice, fairness, and respect for the will of the people. It, however, expressed concern that recent developments within the party suggest a dangerous drift toward backdoor arrangements and the sidelining of credible aspirants who contributed to building the party structure.
The stakeholders alleged that reports emerging from the three senatorial zones and several federal constituencies indicate that some party leaders are plotting to handpick preferred candidates instead of allowing a transparent democratic process.
According to the group, such actions amount to a betrayal of grassroots supporters who embraced the Labour Party as an alternative to the era of political godfatherism.
The group cited several alleged cases of manipulation already generating tension within the party. In Abia North Senatorial Zone, it claimed that Ude Oko Chukwu is allegedly being sidelined in favour of Bordeaux. In Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, the stakeholders alleged that the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Munachim Alozie, is being pushed aside for Abu Dhabi.
They also pointed to reported tensions in Bende Federal Constituency and alleged moves to replace Manja with Ceaser in Isiala Ngwa South.
The stakeholders warned that any attempt to suppress internal democracy would create resentment among party members, weaken the Labour Party ahead of the general elections, and threaten the unity of the party.
The group therefore called for an immediate end to all forms of candidate imposition across local governments and constituencies. It also demanded free, fair, and transparent primaries that would allow party members to decide their candidates through a democratic process.
They further urged the leadership of the party to strictly adhere to the party constitution and uphold equity, justice, and fairness in all political processes.
The stakeholders maintained that the Labour Party belongs to the people and not a select few, insisting that the voices from the grassroots clearly reject imposition and support internal democracy. They warned the leadership to retrace its steps to avoid a crisis that could benefit opposition parties.
