The internal crisis within the Ebonyi State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) escalated over the weekend as a prominent chieftain and the party's secretary, Comrade Innocent Igiri, declared his intention to support the reelection bid of Governor Francis Nwifuru. Igiri announced that he and his supporters would soon officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reasons for Defection
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Igiri explained that his decision to leave the LP and align with the ruling party stemmed from what he described as a violation of the zoning principle by the party's leadership. According to Igiri, the party's governorship candidate hails from Afikpo in the southern part of the state, contrary to the zoning agreement established by the founding fathers.
“Our governorship candidate comes from Afikpo in the south instead of the north. I have informed our leaders that we are making a grave mistake by fielding someone from the south, but they turned a deaf ear,” Igiri stated.
Zoning Agreement
Igiri elaborated on the zoning arrangement, noting that the founding fathers had agreed after the creation of the state that the governorship position should rotate among the three senatorial zones: Ebonyi North, Ebonyi South, and Ebonyi Central. He traced the history: Ebonyi North produced Dr. Sam Egwu from 1999 to 2007, Ebonyi Central had Chief Martin Elechi from 2007 to 2015, and Ebonyi South held the position with Senator David Umahi from 2015 to 2023. Currently, Ebonyi North holds the governorship with Builder Francis Nwifuru, who should be allowed to complete his tenure like his predecessors.
“We are people born out of struggle; we are known to fight for justice, equal rights, and fairness. This time, it is the resolution of the structure that is with me in Ebonyi State, whether they like it or not,” Igiri asserted.
Achievements of Governor Nwifuru
Igiri also cited Governor Nwifuru’s achievements in peace-building, infrastructure development, and human capital advancement over the past three years as additional reasons for his defection. He emphasized that the decision was collective, reached after an expanded meeting with coordinators of his political structure across all 13 local government areas of the state.
“We have endorsed Governor Nwifuru for the 2027 general elections; the resolution is for all of us, FON all the way,” Igiri declared.
Dismissal of Criticism
The former two-term acting chairman of the LP dismissed criticisms from what he termed internal political opponents, insisting that his group would not be swayed by pressure to reconsider their stance. He reiterated that his political structure remains committed to justice, fairness, and equity, and that the endorsement reflects a collective decision.
Igiri also alleged that some individuals were attempting to influence members of his structure to abandon the endorsement, but he maintained that such efforts would not succeed.
Praise for Nwifuru's Leadership
Igiri praised the governor’s leadership style, describing him as accessible and people-oriented. “We have a governor who listens to the people, apart from his other achievements in peace-building, education, human and capital development, and infrastructure, among others. He has ears, he is reachable, and he has never arrested an opposition leader. He values even those who criticize his government.”
Warning About Party Crisis
Igiri acknowledged the internal crisis rocking the LP, warning that it would explode soon. He cautioned that if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the crisis before the 2027 general election, the party would be doomed and might not win any seat.
