Enugu, Nigeria – The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State has thanked the people of Enugu for their support during the March 18 governorship election and vowed to continue the fight for the mandate given to its candidate, Chief Chijioke Edeoga.
The results of the election, declared on March 22, 2034 at the INEC State Collation Centre in Enugu, left LP spokesperson Mcginger Ibeneme disappointed but determined to press on.
Ibeneme praised the party’s efforts in the election, stating, “We were able to prove to the whole world that we won from all indications.” He emphasised that Edeoga embodies the fighting spirit of the oppressed people in Enugu State and Nigeria.
The spokesperson highlighted the challenges faced by Edeoga during his campaign, including harassment, threats, and a lack of funding.
Despite these obstacles, Edeoga remained committed to grassroots mobilisation, visiting 244 out of 275 wards in the state. This engagement allowed the party to create a people’s manifesto, reflecting the needs and expectations of Enugu State residents.
Ibeneme expressed confidence in Edeoga’s leadership and calm demeanor, even in the face of adversity. He assured the people of Enugu that the party will pursue their mandate through the courts.
“Not because we were not announced winners, but because we came close but they cheated as usual,” Ibeneme said.
“I am proud about how we fought every step of the way. We were able to prove to the whole world that we won from all indications.
According to the LP spokesperson, the last real election in the state would be the one between Okwy Nwodo and Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu in 1991.
“Enugu State has two cultural zones and three political zones. The cultural zones are Nsukka Zone and Enugu Zone. Enugu zone was split into 2 senatorial districts whereas Nsukka Zone remained a single senatorial district,” he said.
“Nsukka Zone has had 2 governors; Okwy Nwodo and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. ENUGU zone has had Christian Onoh, Jim Nwobodo, Chimaroke Nnamani, and Sullivan Chime.
“However since 1999 Enugu State PDP has rotated governorship slots among the three political zones. Chimaroke Nnamani went first from Enugu East zone, Sullivan Chime went from Enugu West zone and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi completed the cycle from Enugu North zone.
“However, the problem we have in our hands is that some elements insist that anybody who is not from a particular constituency cannot be governor, or even senator.
“Also, they insist that some individuals, even from the ‘superior’ constituency may never hold elective political posts. They are ready to go to any length, which may explain why Chief Oyibo Chukwu was murdered,” he explained.
He revealed the Edeago was threatened and pressured to drop his ambition, but he stood his ground.
“He was cajoled, he was harassed, he was threatened,” Ibeneme revealed.
“Edeoga stood his ground that he has a right to vie for any positions he is qualified to occupy and nobody must tell him otherwise. I remember vividly that he deferred to Prof Barth Nnaji to take the LP ticket but Nnaji as an elder statesman blessed him to run instead, as a younger vibrant fellow.
“Edeoga is a very focused individual. He is calm and convincing. Our biggest challenge was funding and they mocked us about it. But Edeoga was that kind of fellow you could do anything for without expecting inducements.
“Edeoga rather resorted to grassroots mobilisation, which looking back now one can say is the most effective approach. We visited 244 wards out of 275, we could have completed the rounds but we ran out of time.
“In all the wards we visited, we engaged the people, we collected a list of their expectations from our government and documented them. Our intention was to give the people their actual needs and not to impose white elephant projects on them.
“I never for once saw him lose his cool, even when he is upset.
“The results have been announced albeit to the disappointment of all well-meaning Enugu people and Nigerians in general. Be rest assured that we are going to pursue our mandate through the courts,” he said.
