The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State has officially selected Emmanuel Friday Ben as its standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election. This decision was reached during the party’s primary election held in Uyo on Saturday.
Announcing the outcome, the chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Daniel Umobong, revealed that Ben was the sole aspirant who acquired the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms. Alongside him, ten House of Assembly hopefuls and five House of Representatives candidates also obtained forms.
Umobong confirmed that all aspirants underwent proper screening in line with party regulations and met the necessary criteria before being affirmed as candidates for their respective positions.
State party chairman, Comrade Lincoln Charles, extended his congratulations to all successful candidates, with special emphasis on Ben. Charles expressed strong confidence in Ben’s ability to secure the hilltop mansion come 2027.
During his address, Charles refuted claims of a factional divide within the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom, asserting that he remains the sole recognized chairman. He emphasized that officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present to observe the primary election.
Charles stated unequivocally, “The governorship candidate of this Party is Emmanuel Friday Ben, who has just emerged from the just-concluded primaries. Therefore, anyone who is not here is not acknowledged by INEC or the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State.”
In his acceptance speech, Ben, speaking on behalf of all candidates, expressed gratitude to the party for the trust placed in him to contest the election.