Imo Labour Party: Leaders Reject Ochiama’s Bid To Retain Chairmanship …Blame Mass Exodus Of Members On His Poor Leadership

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Imo Labour Party: Leaders Reject Ochiama’s Bid To Retain Chairmanship

…Blame Mass Exodus Of Members On His Poor Leadership

Ahead of the forthcoming congresses of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State, party leaders and key stakeholders have strongly rejected the move by Mazi Excel Ochiama to retain his position as State Chairman.

The leaders argue that, beyond zoning concerns, given that Ochiama hails from Owerri Zone, his leadership style has worsened the party’s internal affairs, leading to a mass exit of prominent members.

This development has generated anxiety among party faithful, particularly since the emergence of the caretaker state executive led by Ochiama.

Investigations indicate that several high-profile members left the party following his emergence. Among them are Hon. Clinton Amadi, representing Owerri Municipal in the Imo State House of Assembly; Hon. Mathew Nwogu, representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Uche Ogbuagu; and Senator Athan Achonu, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, among others.

Stakeholders also accused Ochiama of making parallel appointments that contradict the Nenadi Usman-led executive structure in the State. Rather than working with the recognized leadership, he allegedly appointed loyalists to key positions.

A stakeholder who spoke on condition of anonymity said Ochiama sidelined experienced figures such as Dr. Nelson Ezerioha, a former commissioner appointed as the party’s legal adviser.

Others reportedly affected include Lady Esther Ike Iloanusi Orlu zonal woman leader, Chief Odinaka Emejuru, and Mrs. RoseMoon Nzeribe.

Further claims suggest that the departure of some party leaders may be linked to Ochiama’s alleged actions during the 2023 general elections, including accusations that he compromised party interests and testified against a Labour Party State Assembly candidate in court.

Another source of contention is Ochiama’s alleged association with Chief Basil Maduka, who was accused of conducting a parallel governorship primary in defiance of party guidelines, thereby weakening the party ahead of the elections. Maduka also reportedly engaged in legal battles with the party’s governorship candidate, further distracting the party.

Party insiders say concerns are growing over Maduka’s alleged influence in the emergence of the current State executive led by Ochiama.

Stakeholders also highlighted the political implications of zoning ahead of the 2027 elections. With sentiments in Imo State suggesting that Orlu Zone, which has 12 local government areas, may not produce the next governorship candidate, other parties are reportedly compensating by zoning their party chairmanship positions to the zone.

According to an aggrieved stakeholder, failure by the Labour Party to adopt a similar approach could trigger further defections, weakening the party’s chances in 2027.

Many party leaders are therefore said to be displeased with Ochiama’s insistence on retaining his position, especially when other parties have already zoned their governorship tickets to Owerri Zone.

This has raised questions about whether Ochiama’s actions align with the party’s electoral interests, with some alleging that his leadership may be undermining the party’s strength in the State.

Consequently, stakeholders have called on the national leadership of the party, led by Mrs. Nenadi Usman, to urgently intervene and address the situation before it escalates further.