The Imo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) is facing a growing crisis that threatens to undermine its strength and electoral chances in the upcoming general elections.
The turmoil stems from a power struggle involving Barr. Ezerioha Nelson, the party’s current Legal Adviser and a native of Oru East Local Government Area, who is now laying claim to the position of State Chairman – directly challenging Chief Charles Ugochukwu’s emergence as state party chairman.
Chief Charles Ugochukwu, who hails from Orlu Senatorial Zone, took over as Imo LP Chairman following the elevation of Mazi Excel Ochiama‑Nwaneri to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Nelson has been accused of attempting to destabilise the party’s existing structure and unity.
Critics point out that the seat of State Chairman has already been zoned to Orlu Zone, and Chief Ugochukwu, also from Orlu, is the rightful occupant.
Nelson’s bid, they argue, violates this zoning arrangement. According to reports, the 27 Local Government Area Chairmen, 305 Ward Chairmen, and their respective executives have issued a strong warning to the party’s leadership, warning that any move to replace Chief Charles Ugochukwu and Mazi Excel Ochiama‑Nwaneri with Barr. Ezerioha Nelson would lead to the collapse of the Labour Party’s structure in the State.
“There are individuals who emerged victorious from the recently conducted congresses, and their victories must be respected unless the party wants to die in Imo,” one of the chairmen stated.
“Aside from mass defection, several litigations will follow if this happens.” Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the Labour Party chairman for Oru East LGA added, “If this happens, there will be no LP in Oru East. All founding members will defect to another party.”
Other party members have noted that Barr. Ezerioha Nelson comes from Oru East LGA – the same local government as the sitting Imo State Governor and the current Chairman of the ruling opposition party, the APC in Imo State.
Other sources who crave anonymity also alleged that Nelson is working for unseen hands, pointing out that he had never actively participated in Labour Party activities in Imo State before this sudden bid for leadership.
