Imo Guber Election: Labour Party Raises Alarm over Identity Theft

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Labour Party (LP) yesterday called on members of the party to beware of what it described as planned identity theft by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties contesting the in the November 11 governorship election in Imo State. The party also reiterated that Senator Athan Achonu remains the governorship candidate of the party for the state November 11 governorship election.

Addressing a press conference yesterday at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Chief spokesperson of the party’s presidential campaign, Dr. Tanko Yunisa, said some individuals are going about in the state calling themselves the national coordinators of the Labour Party.

According to Yunusa, “We are not unmindful of attempts by some politicians to poach into the ‘Obidient Family’ and pursue an identity theft agenda. “We are aware also that some political parties are making efforts to misdirect some of our family members.

“Two other parties which are contesting in the election, particularly the PDP and APC, are guilty as charged in this matter. We are aware that the intimidating activities of the Obidients all over the country have driven fears into them and the thought of confronting these followers of Peter Obi in the November 11 election has thrown spanners into their midst.”

He explained that the leadership and members of the ‘Obidient family’ led by Peter Obi were in Owerri, Imo State capital, where the party flagged off the governorship campaign of the party, and Senator Achonu was presented to the electorate in the state.

 Yunusa said: “At the function, our principal called all the Obidient family members in Imo State to file behind the LP candidate, Senator Achonu.

“He also said Achonu stands tallest among other candidates in the contest having developed a programme well suited for  Imolites which will end hunger, insecurity, and unemployment which is very prevalent in the state under the current leadership.

“Senator Achonu has been cleared by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party to fly its flag. His nomination has since been adopted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts in the land, including the Supreme Court, which has given recognition to Senator Achonu’s candidacy.”

Giving details of the identity theft, he said: “The Obidient brand is a copyright ownership of our principal, Peter Obi. The youths, who believe in his style of leadership and politics with his messages which have resonated with the Nigerian youths, in this case, especially with Imo youths, have now been directed to file behind Senator Achonu.

“We are also not unmindful of huge resources being deployed by the state government as well as 4,000 fake job promises being offered to our members in order to poach them. As laughable as these offers and promises are, the Imo youths are more intelligent than that and are not gullible.

“They can’t compromise their future because of the antics of some failed politicians who have raped Imo State and have encouraged insecurity for their selfish interest.

“A new Imo State is POssible again. A state where peace and security shall be the paramount of the government, and a state where the youth will be assured of their future and no fake political promises will be given. A state where the resources of the state will be used purely for the development of the state and not for personal use of a few.”