The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has been plunged into a deeper crisis following the emergence of two factional governorship candidates, each laying claim to the party’s authentic ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At the centre of the dispute are radio talkshow host and The Sun columnist, Michael Bush, and Emmanuel Friday Ben, who emerged at different times from rival factions within the party.
The latest development followed a primary election held at the party’s secretariat on Port Harcourt Street, Uyo, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were reportedly present to monitor proceedings.
Party leaders at the exercise dismissed the existence of any faction within the Labour Party in the state, insisting that only one recognised structure exists and is acknowledged by INEC.
Speaking after the primary, the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Lincoln Charles, declared Emmanuel Friday Ben as the party’s authentic governorship candidate.
“My name is Lincoln Charles. I’m the authentic State Chairman of Labour Party, Akwa Ibom State. I’ve been in this party since 2006. INEC doesn’t conduct primaries twice for one party. So, for INEC to be here means we’re recognised,” he said.
He dismissed claims of a parallel structure, describing members of the opposing faction as impostors not recognised by the electoral body or the party’s national leadership.
“The governorship candidate of this party is Emmanuel Friday Ben, who has just emerged from the just-concluded primaries. So, anyone who’s not here is not known by INEC or Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Charles also claimed that his leadership remains the only one recognised on the INEC portal, insisting that a rival faction led by a woman identified as Celina had no legal standing.
He alleged that despite being advised by INEC to work with the recognised structure, the opposing group proceeded to form what he described as an illegal faction.
“There’s no other Labour Party in the state apart from the structure you’ve seen here,” he added.
He further maintained that Emmanuel Friday Ben properly obtained his nomination form from the party’s national headquarters and went through all required screening processes.
In his acceptance speech, Ben said he was driven by a desire to improve governance and deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
He pledged an inclusive administration and promised to build on existing developmental programmes in the state.
“I’m coming to make people feel, enjoy and access the dividends of democracy. Our people have not enjoyed enough dividends of democracy, so I intend to fill up the gaps,” he said.
The emergence of parallel candidates has further exposed deep divisions within the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State, raising concerns over internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections.
