Abia APC Fires Back at Critics, Insists Opah Won Governorship Primary Fair and Square

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the party’s governorship primary election, insisting that Eric Opah’s emergence as its candidate was the outcome of a credible and transparent democratic process.

Addressing journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia on Monday, APC Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru rejected allegations of irregularities surrounding the May 21, 2026 primary, describing recent claims challenging the exercise as misleading and politically motivated.

According to Aguoru, the primary election was conducted under the supervision of a committee appointed by the party’s national leadership, with voting and result collation carried out openly in accordance with established guidelines.

He expressed concern over what he termed attempts by a handful of dissatisfied individuals to undermine the credibility of the process, particularly through the circulation of a viral video allegedly threatening unrest if a particular aspirant was not declared the winner. He stressed that such actions do not reflect the views of the wider APC membership in the state.

Defending the conduct of the election, Aguoru maintained that all aspirants were given equal opportunity to compete for delegates’ votes and that no candidate received preferential treatment. He noted that Opah secured 125,977 votes, while his closest rival, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, polled 5,905 votes.

While acknowledging that the APC National Working Committee has yet to formally ratify and publish the outcome, Aguoru said the results announced by the electoral committee remain the valid record of the primary pending the completion of internal administrative procedures.

He explained that the delay in the official release of the result was linked to the party’s ongoing verification of candidates’ credentials, a measure aimed at ensuring that all nominees meet legal requirements and are protected from future electoral disputes.

As further proof of Opah’s widespread support, Aguoru pointed to the voting pattern in Ikwuano Local Government Area, the home base of one of his opponents. He disclosed that Opah garnered 3,486 votes in the council area, surpassing Ikoh’s 2,403 votes.

The APC spokesman also recalled that Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu voluntarily withdrew from the governorship race before the primary in the interest of party cohesion, leaving Opah and Ikoh to contest for the ticket.

He described Opah as a loyal party member who has remained actively involved in APC activities since joining the party in 2023, participating consistently at the ward, local government and state levels.

Aguoru further accused political opponents of exploiting internal disagreements to spread misinformation and create a false impression of instability within the party. He alleged that certain individuals behind the controversial video were being encouraged to sow discord and divert attention from the APC’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

On the status of former governorship aspirant Nkechi Nwogu, Aguoru stated that she remains a recognised member of the APC, noting that her name appeared on the updated membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on May 10, 2026. He added that the party had not received any formal notification indicating her departure.

He also referenced Nwogu’s participation in the APC primary for the Abia Central Senatorial District, where she was defeated by Chief Emeka Atuma, saying the party remains committed to upholding the outcomes of all properly conducted primary elections.

Reiterating the confidence of the state chapter, Aguoru declared that the APC remains united and focused ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that attempts to generate controversy around the governorship primary would not distract the party from its goal of winning power in Abia State.