Abia State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, has called on the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State to ensure that its ongoing internal political disagreements do not degenerate into actions capable of threatening the peace and security of the State.
LP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Iroegbu Emenike, said that the ongoing media attacks between the supporters of APC candidate, Eric Opah and former Minister, Henry Ikoh over the governorship ticket could affect the peace that Abia residents are currently enjoying.
The Labour Party claimed that one of the major factors fueling the crisis within the Abia APC is the widespread perception that the party abandoned many of its long standing and loyal members in favour of individuals perceived to have acquired political influence through financial muscle.
“The merchandising of party tickets from the House of Assembly to Governorship and the preference for the highest bidders over committed party faithful have continued to generate resentment, division, and internal conflicts within the party.
“As a responsible ruling party, we are not interested in knowing who emerges as the candidate of the APC or any other political party. However, we are concerned about the safety of Abians and residents, especially when political disagreements begin to spill into the public domain in a manner capable of heating up the polity”, the Labour Party said.
But responding, the APC mocked the Abia LP for belonging to what it called the “Nvosi faction” where tickets were allegedly allocated to candidates through intimidation and other undemocratic means.
APC, which spoke through its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru advised the LP, “Nvosi faction “to concentrate on facing its case at the Supreme Court to be able to determine its true status, maintaining that APC in Abia was united under the leadership of Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.”
“Unfortunately, a government that claims to enjoy widespread popularity is evidently terrified of facing a vibrant opposition at the ballot box , rather than prepare to defend it’s record before the electorate,” Abia APC said.