Factional Labour Party Primary Produces Jude Umejiego as Anambra Governorship Candidate

A faction of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State has conducted a parallel primary election, electing Hon. Jude Umejiego as the party’s candidate for the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The latest development follows an earlier primary held last week, in which Dr. George Moghalu emerged as the party’s candidate.

However, divisions within the party have led to the emergence of a second primary process, heightening concerns about internal wrangling.

Mr. John Nwosu, an aspirant who withdrew from the previous exercise, had cited alleged irregularities and the incompetence of the Julius Abure-led national leadership of the party, which he argued had been removed by a Supreme Court ruling. Nwosu participated in Thursday’s parallel primary but lost to Jude Umejiego, who garnered 180 votes against his 69.

Announcing the results, the acting chairman of the electoral committee, Sunday Okereke, said:
“With the powers conferred on me by the Electoral Act 2022 and the guidelines of our party, I hereby declare and return Hon. Jude Umejiego as the duly elected candidate of Labour Party for the November 8, 2025 governorship election.”

In his acceptance speech, Umejiego pledged to deliver victory for the party, emphasizing the use of Anambra State as a platform to demonstrate the Labour Party’s vision for transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to a productive one.

Umejiego, a current member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha South II Constituency, also unveiled his running mate—Hon. Henry Mbachu, who represents Awka South I in the same legislative house.

The unfolding scenario presents a looming crisis for the Labour Party in Anambra, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have to wade through the legitimacy of multiple candidates ahead of the governorship polls.