Chief Henry Udeh has emerged Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State following a consensus-based congress held on Saturday at the party secretariat in Abakaliki.
The development is widely regarded as part of the party’s early strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress, which attracted party faithful and critical stakeholders from across the state, formally ratified Ude’s emergence through a unanimous voice vote.
The motion for the adoption of a consensus arrangement was moved by Comrade Christian Mayor Iduma and seconded by Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, after which it was adopted without dissent, an outcome party leaders described as reflective of strong internal cohesion within the state chapter.
In the same vein, other members of the State Executive Committee, including the State Secretary, Mr. Innocent Igiri, were returned to office, thereby consolidating the existing leadership structure to guide the party through the forthcoming electoral cycle.
The exercise was attended by notable party figures, including the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze, and the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside security agencies and representatives of the party’s national leadership, monitored proceedings in compliance with statutory requirements.
Addressing members shortly after the congress, Chief Splendor Oko-Eze described the successful conduct of the ward, local government, and state congresses as a defining milestone for the party in Ebonyi State.
“The Labour Party ward, LGA, and state congresses have been successfully concluded in Ebonyi State to the glory of God Almighty. This is the party to beat in 2027. Victory is assured — forward ever, and God remains our helper,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh commended the party’s internal processes, describing the peaceful conduct of the congress as a demonstration of political maturity and organisational discipline.
He contrasted this with what he characterised as persistent internal crises in other political parties, noting that the LP is positioning itself to play a dominant role in both state and national politics by 2027.
He, however, cautioned against complacency, urging sustained unity, strategic mobilisation, and institutional strengthening to consolidate the party’s growing influence.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Henry Udeh pledged to deliver inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership rooted in grassroots participation and institutional integrity.
“The strength of any political organisation begins with its leadership. When leadership is properly aligned, the entire structure follows. We will operate an open system where every opinion is valued and duly considered in decision-making,” he said.
He emphasised that integrity, honesty, and political education would form the cornerstone of his administration, noting that the party must distinguish itself through discipline and accountability.
“I intend to serve as a ‘master-servant’ to the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, ensuring fairness, equity, and responsible stewardship in the management of party affairs,” he said.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the newly elected chairman disclosed that the state chapter is awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership before initiating its primary election processes.
“We are awaiting directives from the national body. Once these guidelines are released, we will proceed accordingly. Preparatory efforts are already underway, and we will act decisively when the time comes,” he added.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal democracy, Udeh stressed that candidatures would be determined by grassroots popularity and acceptability rather than financial capacity.
“We are a grassroots-driven party. Tickets will be awarded to candidates chosen by the people not those with the deepest pockets so that they can truly represent and serve the electorate,” he assured.
Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he underscored the LP’s ambition to emerge as a credible alternative in future elections.
“Our objective is clear, we aim to win. Without that conviction, there would be no purpose in being in opposition,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the national leadership, the Deputy National Woman Leader, Mrs. Priscilla Ijeoma Chukwu, described the congress as peaceful, orderly, and fully compliant with established guidelines. She dismissed reports of factional divisions within the state chapter, affirming that the party remains united.
“The atmosphere has been calm, and the process has proceeded seamlessly in accordance with laid-down procedures. The Labour Party in Ebonyi State remains one cohesive family,” she said.
She further urged the newly elected leadership to sustain the prevailing unity and intensify efforts toward building a formidable political structure capable of delivering electoral success in 2027.
Party members who spoke on the sidelines of the congress expressed optimism that the outcome would reposition the party for enhanced electoral performance. Many pledged renewed commitment to grassroots mobilisation and organisational strengthening as the party prepares for future contests.
Henry Udeh emerges Labour Party Chairman in Ebonyi
