Chief Ikechukwu Orunta 


An appeal has been made early Thursday to Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti and Labour Party Stakeholders to favourably consider Chief Ikechukwu Orunta as Labour Party, LP candidate for Chairman of Ikwuano LG in the forthcoming LG polls since the party has opted for consensus rather than primary in the selection of candidates for the election 


In a public letter to the Abia governor and the Stakeholders, the group which identifies itself as Ikwuano Rainbow Coalition, IRC however submits that they would equally support any candidate better than Orunta that emerges through consensus as agreed by the LP.


Excerpts of the letter signed by Mazi Opurum Okwu and Mrs Georgina Okoro, it's chairman and secretary respectively reads: "As the LP dithers over the choice of a Chairmanship flagbearer in Ikwuano LGA  for the Nov. 2 LG elections in Abia State, we, members of Ikwuano Rainbow Coalition, a collection of political and pro-democracy interests hereby appeals to His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti and the LP Stakeholders to favourably consider the weighty credentials of Chief Ikechukwu Orunta, a pillar of LP, grassroots mobiliser in our LG and worthy supporter  of His Excellency's socio-economic programmes 


"His Excellency, dear Stakeholders, our appeal to you would have been unnecessary were the chairmanship candidates to emerge through party primary, for the inevitable choice in Ikwuano would have been Chief Ikechukwu Orunta, however since the LP has opted for consensus in selecting it's candidates, we are constrained to bring His Excellency's and the Stakeholders notice the good works Chief Orunta is doing for the people, the  party and your administration in Ikwuano LG.


"As a self-made businessman and community spirited individual, Chief Ikechukwu Orunta had ably supported and motivated Ikwuano LP in all ramifications that as today he would score over 80% in a direct primary in the election of a Chairmanship flagbearer. A little research across the ward executives would confirm our assertion Your Excellency.


"Nonetheless, as loyal foot soldiers to the Dr Alex Otti renascent Abia movement, we would submit to any choice that emerges through consensus and endorsed by His Excellency. We trust that His Excellency is a man of impeccable judgement in his choice of individuals for public offices", the IRC stated.


In its closing remarks, the coalition warned LP stakeholders to be vigilant and beware of the dire consequences of awarding the party's tickets to  elements unknown to the Ikwuano LP who are attempting to hijack the ticket by bowing to godfathers whose ignoble role in Abia politics dragged the State backwards in in all facets of development. "...we know of strange elements in our midst, who are not of us. We have traced their connection to the notorious godfathers who Abians vehemently rejected at the polls in 2023, they do not mean well for us and we must keep them at arm's length", the group warned