The members of the Labour Party, LP in Ebonyi State at the weekend said they would not allow an impostor to destroy the party structure in their state.
The party members said they remain focused to campaign for the victory of Arc Edward Nkwegu to win the Ebonyi gubernatorial poll come 2023 and warned against any attempt to distract the party faithful in the State.
This was contained in a press release issued and made available to Journalists in Abakaliki by Chief Roy Ukwuoma, Spokesman to Arc. Edward Nkwegu, the Ebonyi Gubernatorial Candidate of the Labour Party.
According to the release, it has become imperative to clarify issues bordering on the governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State in the face of some fake news being peddled by some disgruntled self-acclaimed journalists, particularly one Igiri Innocent and Onwe, O.D.O (Polymath).
It recalled that "Arc. Nkwegu became the validly nominated gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State on the 2nd of August, 2022 following the withdrawal of Splendor Oko Eze.
"As a result, the substitution primary was conducted by the party. The whole process was superintended by the party hierarchy and members and duly monitored by INEC. Due process was entirely followed.
"It is an utter aberration and mere shadow chasing that anyone would rely on the court to do what is constitutionally the prerogative of a political party as enshrined in the electoral act section 33.
"Twice, enemies of our great party have dragged this harmless gentleman EDON to court; all to no avail.
"Each time the matters remained appealed. Under the law, it is wrong for anyone else to claim the candidacy of the party for the gubernatorial race as the status quo is being maintained.
"Mr Splendor Oko Eze voluntarily withdrew and had the intention of ceding the position to his desired candidate (Fidelis Nwankwo) which the party faulted and desired to look for a candidate that can win the election for her. And that Candidate is Arc Edward Nkwegu.
"Therefore, all the dust/noise about Splendor Oko Eze as the supposed Ebonyi State Labour Party Guber Candidate for the 2023 general elections is spurious, frivolous, unfounded and indeed holds no water. This is still the evil machination of detractors and enemies of progress.
"More so, the authors of this fake news (Igiri Innocent and Onwe O.D.O Polymath) are mere jobbers who go cap in hand for brown envelope; all in the name of journalism.
"Therefore, the Labour Party faithful as well as the general public should discountenance the said publications milling about in social media and/or any other print or electronic media.
"My Principal, the incoming governor of Ebonyi State (by the grace of God) *Arc. Edward Nkwegu is not moved by the tantrums coming from Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo quarters as he (Nwankwo) does not possess a Labour party Membership card and is therefore not a member of the Party.
"Arc. (Dr.) Edward Nkwegu has come to stay and remains the one and only candidate of the Labour Party for the gubernatorial election come 2023.
"Let the hearts of all OBIDIENTS and indeed all Ebonyians not be troubled. EDON means well for all Ebonyians and is ready to run an all-inclusive government with the milk of human kindness God bestowed him with. A government with a human face."
