Irate youth believed to have been sponsored by a faction of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo state, blocked the popular Imo State University junction along Okigwe Road, Owerri leading to the venue of the governorship campaign flag-off of LP candidate, Senator Athan Achonu.
It was learnt on Tuesday August 22nd 2023, that their grouse was that the presidential candidate of the party in the last election, Mr Peter Obi, was coming to support illegality by endorsing Senator Achonu who was reportedly sacked by the court instead of their preferred candidate, Joseph Ukaegbu, aka Ikenga, who got the court’s nod.
However, the former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, the National Chairman, Julius Abure and Governor Alex Otti of Abia state, ignored them and went to the Kanu Nwankwo Sports Centre, venue of the event to meet thousands of party supporters who were already waiting anxiously for them.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Otti maintained that the Labour Party in Imo had only one authentic candidate with the full weight of the party, adding that he was there as a witness, having conducted the only acceptable party primary that produced Senator Athan Achonu as governorship candidate for Imo Labour Party.
Also speaking, Obi said Athan Achonu would address the state’s challenges if elected, adding, “we know what it takes to change Nigeria. So, we plead with Imo people to give him that support.”
Addressing the gathering later, Achonu promised that if elected, the LP government in Imo would among other things focus on job creation, wealth creation, provision of infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity etc.
He added that the forthcoming election would provide Imolites an opportunity to reverse the trend of insecurity and wanton destruction of lives and property in the state caused by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
