The Ebonyi State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Udeh, on Tuesday said the party will resist any attempt by EBSIEC to rig the forthcoming LG election, saying the party is following the process and keeping an eye on the ball.

Udeh, during a press briefing at the party’s state secretariat located along the Abakaliki–Enugu Expressway, Ishieke, announced that the Labour Party had successfully completed all requirements for participation in the local government polls and would submit its list of candidates to the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) as scheduled.

Udeh expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness, describing the Labour Party as the only visible opposition in Ebonyi State, and called on politicians dissatisfied with the ruling party to join the Labour Party and support what he called a “protest vote” against bad governance.

He also commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as improved security and respect for civil liberties in the state, noting that political actors could now freely address the press without intimidation.

“We can sit here today and address the press without harassment. Under this administration, we no longer hear of people being dragged from their homes or attacked. Ebonyi people are aware of this and will not forget it,” Udeh said.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, he warned the EBSIEC against any attempt to compromise the process, insisting that the people of Ebonyi State would resist any form of rigging.

The party also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for its candidates and supporters during campaigns and on election day, alleging that intimidation and disruption were common tactics used against opposition parties.

Addressing questions about the lingering leadership dispute within the Labour Party at the national level, Udeh maintained that the issue had been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court and reaffirmed by a Federal High Court judgment that recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s National Chairman.

He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was already engaging with the recognised leadership, dismissing contrary claims as baseless.

The Labour Party leadership reiterated its commitment to peaceful participation in the electoral process and urged its members to remain law-abiding throughout the campaign and election period.