The Labour Party has called for the release of its Ebonyi south senatorial candidate, Linus Okorie, claiming he was kidnapped on Sunday by people suspected to be members of the South-East vigilance group, the Ebubeagu Ebonyi.

In a statement on Monday, Julius Abure, the LP national chairman, alleged that Mr Okorie was kidnapped on his way home on Sunday evening.

“It is no longer news that some political actors in some South-East states, particularly Ebonyi and Enugu, have vowed that the LP and its candidates will not be allowed to campaign freely in the zone.

“This is evident with incessant attacks on members and supporters of the LP and that of our other candidates,” he said.

He said the alleged kidnapping of the senatorial candidate was politicians’ attempt to frustrate the party in the South-East.

Mr Abure urged Governor Dave Umahi and the police to intervene and ensure the prompt release of Mr Okorie.

He said the kidnap of the senatorial candidate was not a good omen for Nigeria’s democracy.

“We see it as a threat to our democracy, and it should not be allowed to progress or institutionalised,” Mr Abure said.

He further alleged that the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Anambra was kidnapped at the heart of campaigns in 2021.

“As I speak, nothing has been heard about him. Sadly, this is happening again,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, Chris Anyanwu, the spokesman for the Ebonyi police command, said Mr Okorie was arrested by the Ebubeagu security outfit and not abducted as claimed.

Mr Anyanwu said he was arrested for inciting violence and drug trafficking.

(NAN)