LP crisis: Apapa-led NWC ignores Abure, screens guber aspirants

Ahead of the Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states governorship election primaries, the Lamidi Apapa faction of Labour Party (LP) has commenced the screening of governorship aspirants for the aforementioned states.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed November 11, 2023 for the conduct of the three governorship elections.

Some of the aspirants screened are Udengs Eradiri and Chief Diekivie Ihiogla (Bayelsa), Chief Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, Ihechi Ike and Sen. Nneji Achonu (Imo), Col. Abu Enemona (rtd) and Donald Daunemigha (Kogi).

Addressing journalists before the screening commenced, yesterday, in Abuja, Apapa said 24 candidates would be screened in the three states.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would go seamlessly, adding that there would be a committee to address grievances, should any arise after the primaries.

“Right now, we have screened four aspirants; two each from Bayelsa and Imo. So far, they have all done their best; they have convinced us and the committee has screened them. They are qualified to appear for the primaries that will come up on April 16.

“We are expecting 13 aspirants from Imo and nine from Bayelsa. We are also expecting two from Kogi. They are 24 in all. If anybody has an issue, he/she should bring his appeal by tomorrow and the committee is already waiting to attend to those that have an issue,” he added.

Ukaegbu told newsmen that if considered as the party’s candidate, he would channel efforts towards ensuring that insecurity in the state is addressed.

Describing himself as a teacher and a trader, the aspirant also expressed hope of emerging winner of the gubernatorial election in Imo.

He said: “Being a teacher, you should be conservative because governance is all about being conservative, so that you can take care of the people. I acquired such experience as a trader and that will help me manage money.

On how he would tame the extra-judicial killings in the state, he said: “Insecurity is a problem. But the only way you can handle it is to project the private sector. By projecting the private sector, you create jobs, so that the youths can be gainfully employed.”

Ike, on his part, promised to transform the state and make it governable, if he becomes the next governor.