The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has won the chairmanship seats in 15 of the 17 local governments of Abia State despite the state being governed by the Labour Party (LP).
The ZLP is believed to enjoy the support of Governor Alex Otti, who is officially a member of the LP, a party different factions seek to control.
The LP won none of the chairmanship seats, and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) clinched the remaining two LGAs – Ugwunagbo and Osisioma Ngwa, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Prof. Chima George, Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, announced the results on Saturday night at the ABSIEC headquarters in Umuahia.
He expressed pride in the commission’s ability to conduct a peaceful election, despite the challenges faced. “The election was generally peaceful, although voter apathy was a concern,” George noted.
“We have fulfilled the duty we were inaugurated on 5th September to carry out. It wasn’t an easy task, but we went beyond and above to raise awareness about the election across the state.”
With this development there are rising concerns about Otti’s LP loyalty. Recalled, that Julius Abure led faction as the authentic national chairman of the Labour party had recently threatened to suspend Mr Otti and others from the party.
