Labour Party Concludes Abia Primaries as Otti, Aguocha, Nwokocha, Others Secure Return Tickets
By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has successfully concluded its primary elections for the 2027 governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections, with Governor Alex Otti emerging as the party’s unopposed gubernatorial candidate.
Several serving lawmakers, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and Hon. Kelechi Anderson Akaliro (SSS), also secured the party’s tickets unopposed to seek re-election in their respective constituencies.
Speaking to journalists at Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Central School shortly after the primary election, Hon. Obi Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude to party members and constituents for reaffirming their confidence in his leadership.
“I feel excited, honored, and deeply grateful for this endorsement. Being returned unopposed is a testament to the work we have done, our commitment to service, and the confidence the people have in our leadership and the Labour Party,” Aguocha stated.
The federal lawmaker also thanked Governor Alex Otti and party supporters across the state for their continued commitment to the Labour Party’s vision, expressing confidence that all Labour Party candidates would emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the administration’s developmental strides have strengthened public trust in the party and positioned it for another successful electoral outing.
“We are confident of victory because of the work being done across Abia State. Governor Otti will be re-elected, Senator Darlington Nwokocha will return to the Senate, and our candidates at all levels will secure victory because the people have seen the difference Labour Party leadership has made,” he said.
Aguocha urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the democratic process to ensure the continuation of the party’s development agenda at both state and national levels.
Also speaking, the member representing Umuahia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kelechi Anderson Akaliro (SSS), described the exercise as a clear demonstration of the overwhelming support enjoyed by the Labour Party in the state.
He commended party faithful for turning out in large numbers and expressed optimism that the same level of support would be replicated during the 2027 general elections.
“Our people remain firmly committed to the Labour Party and the transformational leadership of Governor Alex Otti. The achievements recorded so far have inspired confidence among the people, and we believe nothing will derail the party’s chances in the next election,” Akaliro said.
In a related development, the Labour Party conducted primary elections across the state’s 184 political wards, attracting significant participation from party members and stakeholders. The exercise was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
For the senatorial contests, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe secured the party’s ticket for Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Darlington Nwokocha emerged as the candidate for Abia Central, while Chief David Ogba Onuoha clinched the ticket for Abia North Senatorial District.
Several serving members of the House of Representatives and the Abia State House of Assembly also secured nominations to seek re-election under the Labour Party platform.
The primaries, largely conducted through consensus arrangements in many constituencies, were widely praised for their peaceful atmosphere, transparency, and orderly conduct.
Presenting Governor Alex Otti with his Certificate of Return, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Hon. Acho Obioma, commended party members, electoral officials, and stakeholders for ensuring a smooth and credible process.
He described the exercise as a reflection of the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and organizational discipline as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
ALSO READ: Abia Government to Renovate Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum, Launch New Tourism Projects
According to him, the successful conduct of the primaries demonstrates the Labour Party’s readiness to consolidate on its electoral successes and strengthen its position ahead of the next political cycle.
