-Accuse him of Working for APC, Uzodinma’s henchman from Mbaise

Reports indicate that the recently concluded State Congress of the Labour Party in Imo State has further worsened the internal crisis within the party. Stakeholders have accused the State Chairman, Excel Ochiama, of allegedly working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor Uzodinma’s henchman ahead of the 2027 elections.

They expressed disappointment that individuals who previously undermined the chances of Labour Party candidates for the Imo State House of Assembly in the 2023 elections are once again backing Ochiama, whom they described as a “mole” planted to destabilize the party. 

They also pointed fingers at a prominent Mbaise-born politician and businessman, alleging that he is an ally of Governor Hope Uzodinma and the mastermind behind the alleged plot.

According to the stakeholders, the said politician was responsible for nominating Ochiama, who they claim now intimidates and blackmails party members who do not support his leadership, branding them as enemies of the party. They further alleged that the intention is to weaken the Labour Party and render it ineffective, while outwardly pretending to support its growth and development.

They recounted how Ochiama allegedly excluded certain party members from participating in the state congress in order to secure his position. “All those who opposed him were labeled enemies of the party,” they said.

The stakeholders also alleged that the APC is funding Ochiama through the same Mbaise-born politician, who they claim had earlier sponsored and facilitated the emergence of an Oru East born youth Activist as the Labour Party’s Imo State Chairman shortly before the 2023 elections.

They argued that this move significantly harmed the prospects of Labour Party candidates in the State House of Assembly elections that year.

“We, as stakeholders of the Labour Party, have resolved that if Excel is not removed from his position as Chairman in Imo State, there will be a mass exodus from the party.

 “We cannot stand by and watch individuals allegedly planted by the APC undermine our efforts and derail the party’s focus,” they stated.