A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant and Labour Party (LP) National Assembly candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr. Eze Emmanuel Ezeh, has a armed against sacrificing competence on the alter of political interest ahead of the 2027 poll.

Ezeh, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said certain desperate politicians were attempting to import divisive tendencies from their former political parties into the Labour Party, stressing that the LP remains committed to integrity, competence and ethical leadership.

He dismissed reports of a looming crisis in the Labour Party over zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The LP chieftain insisted that the party, under the leadership of Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, has moved beyond its past internal disputes and is currently enjoying unity and stability.

According to him, allegations of internal wrangling over zoning were being fuelled by enemies of the party who are uncomfortable with the Labour Party’s growing influence ahead of the next electoral cycle.

He argued that zoning has done more harm than good to Nigeria’s democratic development, insisting that competence and capacity should take precedence over geographical considerations in leadership selection.

“Zoning has failed us; as you can see with the failure of governance going on in APC. We need competence now before zoning,” Ezeh said.

“So, if our emphasis on merit and capacity is what you people in the media are calling crisis, then I think you’re wrong.

“Politicians contest over interests and ideas and that is what’s going on in Labour Party Ebonyi State. We recognise the damages of our recent past, so we are rebuilding the Labour Party in line with the dictates of integrity, competence and capacity for good governance.”

Ezeh disclosed that he has come under pressure from supporters and stakeholders to contest the Ebonyi State governorship election in 2027 but maintained that leadership should not be determined solely on zoning arrangements.

“Our dream in Ebonyi is to enthrone leadership that will work for the people, not just putting someone in office merely because he comes from a particular zone,” he said.

“Regarding my political interests, the true position is that I am still studying the political terrain.

“You should know that as an experienced entrepreneur and strategist, I am not driven by ambition alone. My priority concern about public service is that the authority of elective and appointive offices should be inversely proportional to responsibility, and that responsibility should revolve around the power to serve the public interest.”

On the issue of the Labour Party’s presidential ticket, Ezeh maintained that although the party may consider zoning arrangements, merit and integrity would remain critical factors in determining who eventually emerges as candidate.

“I think I should not be repeating myself, but the fact remains that zoning an office to a particular geographical location does not vitiate consideration for other essential qualities, especially regarding integrity, capacity and track records of performance in public office,” he added.