The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has called on Minister of Works and former state governor, David Umahi, to concentrate on governance and infrastructure development rather than engaging in what it described as divisive political attacks against former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Obi, who is also the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has recently been at the centre of political exchanges involving Umahi as the 2027 elections draw closer.
In a statement signed by the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Splendour Oko Eze, alongside its candidates for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency and the Ebonyi South and North senatorial districts, the LP urged Umahi to avoid personal attacks and allow Ebonyians to make their own political choices.
The party also appealed to Igbo people in Nigeria and abroad not to allow political disagreements to damage the longstanding relationships among communities across the South-East.
According to the LP, the political differences between Ebonyi and Anambra should not be allowed to undermine the commercial, cultural and social connections that have existed between the two states for decades.
“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens,” the party said, describing the relationship between both states as one built on “decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect.”
The party pointed to the contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen, including Arthur Eze, Cletus Ibeto and Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson, to economic activities and development in Ebonyi.
It argued that the long history of interaction between residents and businesses from both states demonstrates their shared interests and interdependence.
‘Obi Is Our Brother, Not Our Enemy’
The LP rejected attempts to portray Peter Obi as an adversary because of political differences.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the party declared.
It urged Ebonyians to exercise their constitutional right to support whichever political candidate they choose without being encouraged to view fellow Nigerians, particularly fellow Igbo, as enemies.
The party stressed that political competition should remain within the boundaries of democratic tolerance and should not be allowed to destroy relationships among communities.
LP Challenges Umahi on Infrastructure
Rather than concentrating on political disputes, the LP said Umahi, as Minister of Works, should focus on addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
“As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions,” the party stated.
It specifically identified the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as important economic routes in the South-East that require sustained attention and effective delivery.
The party also raised concerns about the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki.
According to the LP, construction activities around the project have affected businesses, displaced some traders and disrupted the livelihoods of residents.
It questioned whether the socio-economic consequences of the project were being adequately considered and called attention to the continued difficulties faced by affected business owners.
LP Defends Obi Over Abakaliki Street Dispute
The party also addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State.
The LP argued that Obi should not be blamed for decisions taken by an administration that came after his tenure as governor.
It said any concerns over the matter should be directed to the appropriate authorities in Anambra rather than used as a reason to attack the former governor politically.
On the debate over zoning and political power rotation, the party said the issue should not distract leaders from more urgent concerns affecting citizens.
It identified governance, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development as issues that should receive greater attention.
The LP urged political leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal and partisan interests, saying cooperation remained essential for the development of the South-East.
“Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us,” the party said.
