A chieftain of the Labour Party in Abia State, Lukman Onyeni Ukara, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Abia North Senatorial seat, insisting that he remains the most qualified aspirant to fly the party’s flag in the forthcoming elections.
Ukara made the declaration on Friday, March 13, 2026, during a Labour Party stakeholders’ meeting held in Atani-Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, where party leaders and grassroots mobilizers gathered to deliberate on the future of the party in the senatorial district.
The meeting, convened by the Leader of the Arochukwu Stakeholders Caucus, attracted prominent political figures and community leaders within the party structure in the area.
Among those present were the Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Okereke Eze Aru, the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Christopher Kalu Okoro, as well as the Chairman of the Labour Party and Abia Arise in Arochukwu LGA, councillors, and other influential stakeholders from the area.
Addressing party members during the gathering, Ukara confidently told stakeholders that his experience in legislative politics and his reputation for political integrity make him the best candidate to represent Labour Party in the Abia North senatorial race.
According to him, he has distinguished himself as an astute legislator and a trained constructive opposition figure who understands how to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s political environment.
He reminded the audience that he had previously won an election as an opposition candidate, demonstrating both political strength and grassroots support even when the odds were stacked against him.
Ukara also emphasized that during his time in opposition politics, he resisted multiple attempts to lure him away from his principles, choosing instead to remain loyal to the people who entrusted him with their mandate.
“I maintained my integrity and refused to destroy the confidence reposed in me by the people,” he said.
Ukara further cautioned members of the Labour Party against giving the party’s senatorial ticket to politicians who abandoned the party and its ideals in the past but are now seeking to benefit from its current popularity.
Drawing from political history in the state, he reminded stakeholders that in 2015, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, supported several candidates who later betrayed the political movement that helped them rise to power.
He warned that the party must learn from that experience.
According to him, it would be politically unjust for individuals who turned their backs on the Labour Party during critical political moments in 2023 to now seek to reap from the party’s growing influence.
“We must be careful not to reward betrayal,” he stressed.
Speaking on the current political leadership of the senatorial district, Ukara argued that Abia North needs a new direction and renewed energy.
He acknowledged the contributions of the current senator representing the district, Orji Uzor Kalu, but insisted that the time had come for a new generation of leadership.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has tried his best,” Ukara said.
“At the moment, he is no longer adding the value expected by the people of Abia North and even within the Senate. The time has come for him to retire honourably and allow fresh blood to bring fresh fire and capacity to move our people forward.”
The question of political balance within Abia North also featured prominently during an earlier discussions in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
Some stakeholders recalled that in previous political consultations within Arochukwu Local Government Area, it was widely argued that it would be politically unfair for Ohafia Local Government Area to continue dominating key political positions within the senatorial zone.
They noted that Ohafia currently holds the Deputy Governor position, the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency seat, and should therefore allow the Abia North senatorial seat to rotate to another local government area in the interest of fairness and political balance.
In his remarks during the meeting, the State Chairman of Abia Arise and leader of the Arochukwu Labour Party stakeholders, Nkem Okoro, commended Ukara for openly declaring his intention.
Okoro described the declaration as a demonstration of courage, conviction, and political purposefulness, adding that Ukara deserves strong support from his home political base.
“As our own son, he deserves our support,” Okoro said.
Other party stakeholders present at the meeting reportedly aligned with his position, expressing optimism that Ukara’s candidacy could reshape the political landscape of the senatorial district.
Towards the end of the meeting, Ukara took time to appreciate the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, describing him as a long-time mentor and supporter.
He expressed gratitude for the governor’s continued support over the years and praised the ongoing transformation across the state.
According to Ukara, the development initiatives of the current administration are visible across different parts of Abia State.
“Every part of Abia State is witnessing the great works of the governor, and we are grateful that these are happening in our time,” he said.
Observers say the declaration signals the beginning of what could become an intense political contest within the Labour Party ahead of the Abia North senatorial race.
During the meeting, stakeholders were also advised to ensure they revalidate their membership of the party through the ongoing e-registration exercise. They were further urged to encourage their followers to do the same.
In addition, they were encouraged to mobilize young people who have just turned 18 to participate in the voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Those who have lost their voter cards were advised to apply for replacements, while individuals wishing to transfer their voter registration to new locations were also encouraged to take advantage of the ongoing process.
