By Peter Omopo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognised Chief George Moghalu as the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The decision affirms the leadership of Julius Abure as the party’s national chairman, as Moghalu emerged from the faction under his control. Moghalu secured the party’s nomination by polling 573 votes to defeat his sole challenger, John Nwosu, who garnered 19 votes at the primary held on April 5 at Finotel Hotel in Awka.
The primary was monitored by INEC officials and independent election observers. Of the 649 delegates expected, 601 were accredited, with 592 valid votes cast and five ballots declared invalid.
Following the announcement, the Labour Party celebrated Moghalu’s emergence via its official handle on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “historic victory” and praising the leadership of Abure for steering the party forward.
Despite the announcement, the LP remains divided, as a rival faction conducted a parallel primary on April 10, which produced Jude Umenajiego, a current member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha South Two, as its flagbearer. Umenajiego secured 180 votes, again defeating John Nwosu, who polled 69 votes.
The acting chairman of the faction’s electoral committee, Sunday Okereke, declared Umenajiego the party’s “duly elected” candidate, citing adherence to internal party guidelines and the Electoral Act 2022. He also named Henry Mbachu, the lawmaker representing Awka South 1, as Umenajiego’s running mate.
The development signals further internal wrangling within the Labour Party ahead of the critical governorship poll.
