Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, has continued to engage party members, community leaders and political stakeholders across the state, with emphasis on grassroots participation, peaceful political activities and closer interaction with residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His recent engagements have brought together Labour Party members, community leaders, political appointees, candidates and other stakeholders, with discussions focused on strengthening party structures and maintaining a connection between political leadership and the communities they serve.

At a Labour Party gathering in Arochukwu Local Government Area on September 18, 2026, where he represented Governor Alex Otti, Emetu welcomed new members who joined the party from other political organisations.

He encouraged the new members to familiarise themselves with the Labour Party’s constitution, principles and organisational structures, while urging party leaders to maintain regular contact with members at the grassroots.

According to Emetu, effective political organisation should not be limited to rallies and formal meetings but should involve sustained interaction with residents and party members.

“A political party's real strength is built at the grassroots: polling unit, ward and community levels,” he said.

The Deputy Governor urged party leaders and executives to listen to the concerns of residents, encourage the participation of young people and women, and ensure that members remain actively involved in the organisation.

He also advised political candidates to remain accessible to the people, stressing that securing a party ticket should mark the beginning of a responsibility to serve rather than the end of political engagement.

Emetu encouraged candidates to work closely with party leaders and ensure that their individual political ambitions remained aligned with the broader objectives of their respective organisations.

He further stressed that political leadership should extend beyond election periods, urging leaders to remain involved in initiatives that contribute to the development of their communities and the state.

The Deputy Governor also called on residents of Arochukwu to promote unity, discipline and peaceful political participation as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The gathering featured the formal admission of new members from opposition parties into the Labour Party. The members were received by Emetu after their admission was conducted by the party’s National Secretary, Iheanacho Obioma.

Speaking on behalf of the new members, Barrister Priscilla Emeham said they joined the Labour Party after assessing the development agenda of the Otti administration and expressed their willingness to contribute to the state’s development.

Emetu’s community engagements have also included appeals for political differences to be managed peacefully.

At the 2026 Eke Mbu, Iri Ndi Ndi Abiriba New Yam Festival, where he represented Governor Otti, the Deputy Governor urged residents to preserve unity irrespective of political affiliations and participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

He encouraged voters to assess political candidates based on their records, programmes and promises while ensuring that political activities do not damage existing relationships within communities.

The engagements form part of wider political activities in Abia as parties and political stakeholders strengthen their structures and expand their presence at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.