By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The Ebonyi State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has cautioned against allowing the political differences between the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, and former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, to undermine the longstanding cultural, commercial and fraternal bonds among Ndigbo ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement signed by its 2027 governorship candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze; candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh (Immaculate); Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Chief Henry Udeh (AjimBest); and Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Ogbodo Nwede Mitchell Nwabueze Michael, said political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility among citizens of the South-East.
The LP was reacting to what it described as recent divisive remarks attributed to Umahi concerning Obi and the people of Anambra State, stressing that the relationship between Ebonyians and Anambra people predates contemporary partisan politics.
“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens. The relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi is founded on decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect,” the party stated.
The opposition party maintained that the historical contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen and philanthropists, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson, to Ebonyi’s socio-economic development demonstrated the depth of the relationship between the two states.
It particularly recalled the role allegedly played by Eze in Umahi’s political emergence, arguing that the history of the former governor’s political rise could not be told without acknowledging the contributions of individuals from Anambra.
The party urged Ebonyians not to be swayed by what it described as divisive political rhetoric, stressing that every citizen had the democratic right to support and vote for any candidate of his or her choice.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the LP declared, urging political actors to distinguish between partisan competition and the broader interests of Ndigbo.
The party also dismissed attempts to blame Obi for the controversy surrounding the reported renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State, arguing that any grievance arising from the matter should be directed to the administration responsible for the decision.
On zoning, the LP said although the issue remained politically significant, it should not supersede the fundamental concerns of governance, economic empowerment, infrastructure, poverty reduction and the welfare of citizens.
The party consequently urged Umahi, in his capacity as Minister of Works, to concentrate on the delivery of critical infrastructure, particularly the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, rather than engaging in political exchanges capable of deepening regional divisions.
It also raised concerns over the socio-economic consequences of the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that the construction had affected businesses and displaced some traders, while questioning the impact of the project on livelihoods.
The party’s claims were presented as allegations and calls for scrutiny, rather than established findings.
The LP stressed that thousands of Ebonyians live, trade and conduct businesses in Anambra, noting that the commercial and interpersonal ties between both states could not be sacrificed on the altar of electoral rivalry.
“Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us,” the statement added.
The party called on political leaders and their supporters across the South-East to exercise restraint, promote democratic tolerance and place the collective interests of Ndigbo above individual political ambitions as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
