The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State is facing a fresh internal conflict following the emergence of two governorship candidates from parallel primary elections held on May 30, 2026. The dispute has thrown the party into uncertainty as the 2027 general elections approach.
One faction, led by state chairman Comrade Lincoln Charles, conducted its primary at Port Harcourt Street, off Abak Road, where Emmanuel Ben was elected as the party’s flagbearer. Charles insisted that Ben was the only legitimate candidate, having purchased the nomination form and secured clearance from the national body. He dismissed other claimants as imposters unknown to INEC.
However, a rival faction loyal to Senator Nenadi Usman’s national leadership held its own primary at the party secretariat, producing Micheal Bush as the candidate. Dr. Kingsley Okundaye, chairman of the electoral committee for this faction, rejected Ben’s candidacy, arguing that Ben was never cleared by the national screening committee and therefore cannot appear on the ballot. Okundaye cited the Supreme Court judgment that recognized Usman as the legitimate national chairman, which he says validates only Bush’s primary.
There are allegations that Ben was sponsored by the ruling party in Akwa Ibom to destabilize the opposition, a claim that has further fueled tensions. The crisis mirrors wider challenges facing opposition parties in the state, with several others also experiencing post-primary disputes.
In the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), governorship aspirant Barrister Mfon Peter alleged foul play after losing the primary to Senator John Akpanudoedehe. Peter accused the state government of sponsoring rival candidates and disenfranchising his supporters. He has petitioned the party’s appeal committee, demanding a fresh primary.
Similarly, Dr. Tom Fredfish, a House of Representatives candidate under the APM, raised concerns about government infiltration of opposition parties, urging the judiciary to uphold justice and encouraging genuine candidates to remain steadfast. He emphasized that the electorate will ultimately decide the fate of all candidates.