Labour Party officials in Abia State have sounded an alarm about growing tensions within the APC. They worry the party's internal squabbles could threaten peace across the state.
The warning came through a statement signed by LP's Publicity Secretary, Iroegbu Emenike. He expressed concern about public attacks between supporters of rival APC guber aspirants.
Eric Opah and former Minister Henry Ikoh are both vying for the APC's governorship ticket. Their backers have been trading blows in the media, Emenike noted.
According to the Labour Party, the real problem runs deeper than just personality clashes. The APC has allegedly favored wealthy newcomers over its long-serving members.
"The party sells tickets to the highest bidder," Emenike argued in his statement. He said this practice has bred anger and division within APC ranks.
LP insisted it doesn't care who the APC ultimately picks as its candidate. What matters to them is Abia residents' safety, he told reporters.
"When politicians start fighting publicly, the whole state gets affected," Emenike said. He urged the APC to handle its internal disputes quietly.
But the APC dismissed these concerns as hypocritical nonsense. Party Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru fired back at Labour Party critics.
Aguoru said the LP has no moral standing to lecture anyone. He pointed out that LP's own "Nvosi faction" used force to distribute tickets.
He added that Labour Party should focus on its legal battle at the Supreme Court instead. Aguoru insisted APC remains united under Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu's leadership.
In a parting shot, the APC accused the ruling LP of cowardice. "A truly popular government wouldn't fear facing opposition at the polls," Aguoru said.
He argued that Labour should prepare to defend its record rather than attacking rivals. Both parties now seem braced for an intense electoral showdown.
