By Ekanem Iniko
UYO: The Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State has dismissed reports of a leadership crisis, declaring Akparawa Michael Bush as its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
In a rejoinder signed by State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ime Silas and dated June 5, 2026, the party faulted a Daily Post Nigeria report by Lovina Anthony alleging that LP was “grappling with two guber candidates.”
“While the Labour Party would have elected to ignore the usual sponsored fake report… it will be of great benefit to put the records straight in order not to allow our silence hurt the unsuspecting populace,” the statement read.
Party clarifies candidate and leadership
According to the LP, there were never two cleared aspirants. The party said Mr. Emmanuel Friday Ben “could not survive the screening at the National Screening Committee which sat at the Abuja Headquarters” and “up until today, the said Emmanuel Friday Ben has not disclosed… the myriads of obvious reasons he failed the screening.”
On the leadership tussle, the party stated that Mr. Lincoln Charles “is not the State Chairman.” It noted he was under suspension as of April 2026 when state congresses were held, and his suspension was only lifted on “compassionate grounds” at the National Convention in Umuahia on April 28, 2026.
“The State Chairman of the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom State is Mrs. Freena Akpanusong and her office is currently at #40 Akwa Efak, off Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo,” Silas stated, adding that journalists could contact her “for rightful information rather than hiding under ‘balancing’ to promote barefaced illegalities.”
Primary conducted, NEC meeting next
The party said its legitimate governorship primary was held on May 30, 2026 at the state secretariat in Uyo, conducted by the National Electoral Committee headed by Dr. Kingsley Okundaye and supervised by INEC.
“Moreover, after the meeting on Thursday, 11th June, 2026, of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party, Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians will know formally all the legitimate candidates of the Party,” the statement added.
Michael Bush pitched as ‘independent alternative’
For now, LP says Bush remains its man for the 2027 race. “The duly elected Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State is Akparawa Michael Bush. He is the one Akwa Ibom people will vote for, being the only baggage-free, credible and INDEPENDENT ALTERNATIVE who shall deliver the state from the current shackles of mis-governance and leadership deficit,” Comrade Silas declared.
The party urged Akwa Ibom voters to “discard the Daily Post Nigeria’s misleading report or any similar reports and continue to accord the Labour Party the overwhelming support it currently enjoys.”
LP NEC meets June 11, 2026 to formally ratify candidates nationwide.
