By Tony Ezike
A frontline Labour Party (LP) aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial district by-election, Barr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo (DCA), has reaffirmed the party’s strength and readiness to compete and win elections at all levels.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise Mid-Day over the weekend, Amamgbo dismissed speculations about the party’s declining influence, insisting that LP is now stronger than ever, particularly in Anambra South and ahead of the gubernatorial elections.
Reacting to the recent defection of former party member Valentine Ozigbo, the oil magnate and seasoned business leader acknowledged Ozigbo’s contributions but emphasized that LP remains a formidable force beyond any individual.
“His departure is notable, given his dedication to the party, but the Labour Party does not revolve around one person. A tree does not make a forest. The party is vibrant, and we have many eminently qualified personalities and governorship aspirants ready to lead,” Amamgbo stated.
He dismissed claims that LP has been consistently losing elections, describing such assertions as baseless. According to him, winning and losing are part of any political contest, and no party is immune to electoral setbacks.
On security concerns surrounding the senatorial by-election, Amamgbo expressed confidence in a peaceful process while urging relevant authorities to ensure neutrality. He called for a level playing field where votes would be cast and counted transparently to uphold the essence of democracy.
“Internal disputes are normal in politics. We’ve seen them in LP, APC, PDP, and even recently in APGA, where the matter went all the way to the Supreme Court before resolution. These issues do not define a party’s strength but rather its ability to overcome them,” he explained.
Amamgbo also addressed rumors about Peter Obi’s exit from LP, dismissing them as unfounded. He reaffirmed Obi’s position as the leader of the party, stating that if Obi were to leave, he would make such an announcement himself.
Speaking on governance, he urged politicians to move beyond empty promises and instead focus on delivering tangible results. He stressed that legislators must effectively represent their constituencies, ensure equitable resource allocation, and advocate for national progress.
“As a lawmaker, you must represent your people gallantly and valiantly. Everyone is feeling the economic hardship, but Anambra South, without a sitting senator, is the worst hit. It feels like marginalization,” he lamented.
Amamgbo further criticized the poor state of roads in the South-East, holding the Ministry of Works accountable for abandoned and substandard projects. He also condemned the excessive security checkpoints in the region, describing them as oppressive and unnecessary.
“It’s outrageous; there’s a security checkpoint every five poles. The media must play a significant role in holding those responsible for infrastructure accountable,” he asserted.
As the by-election approaches, Amamgbo remains confident in his candidacy, declaring himself “the aspirant to beat” in the LP primaries and “the candidate to watch” in the general election.
