fresh dispute has emerged within the All Progressives Congress in Abia State after one of the aspirants for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency seat, Onyeije Onuoha-Kalu, rejected the outcome of the recently conducted primary election and declared himself the rightful winner.
The controversy followed the announcement made by the Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, headed by Barrister Erasmus Cishak, which declared Ikenna Nicholas as the successful candidate for the constituency during the APC primaries held on Saturday.
Despite the official declaration, Onuoha-Kalu insisted that results from the exercise showed he secured victory in the majority of the wards across the federal constituency.
Speaking to journalists in Umuahia on Sunday, the aspirant argued that the figures available to him confirmed that he won 15 out of the 22 political wards that make up the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
According to him, he recorded victories in eight wards within Arochukwu Local Government Area and another seven wards in Ohafia Local Government Area, which he said clearly placed him ahead of other contenders in the race.
He expressed appreciation to residents and party faithful across both local government areas for what he described as overwhelming support throughout the primary exercise.
Onuoha-Kalu also praised members of the party leadership and electoral officials for maintaining order during the process, adding that the exercise was largely peaceful and organised.
Responding to questions regarding why he refused to accept the committee’s declaration of another aspirant as winner, the APC hopeful maintained that the process had not been fully concluded and that there was still room for proper verification and announcement of the authentic result.
He stressed that the APC remained a party guided by constitutional procedures and respect for due process, insisting that party leaders would ultimately act in accordance with fairness and justice.
According to him, there was no reason for the party to ignore established rules and democratic principles in determining the outcome of the primary election.
The aspirant further stated that his immediate priority was not confrontation but appreciation, noting that he intended to continue engaging with supporters and stakeholders who placed confidence in his ambition.
Beyond the controversy surrounding the primary, Onuoha-Kalu also used the opportunity to rally support for a governorship aspirant within the APC, Chief Henry Ikoh.
He described Ikoh as an accomplished businessman whose contributions to industrial growth and employment creation distinguished him as a strong candidate capable of transforming the state.
Onuoha-Kalu commended the governorship hopeful for building successful business ventures and providing opportunities for many young people through job creation.
He stated that leadership experience gained in the private sector could help improve governance and economic development in Abia State if entrusted with public office.
According to him, Ikoh possesses integrity, competence and the capacity needed to reposition the state for progress and development.
Meanwhile, the APC National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee has begun sitting in Abia State to entertain petitions and complaints arising from the conduct of the exercise.
The committee, chaired by Chris Dajan, is expected to review grievances submitted by dissatisfied aspirants and party stakeholders concerning the outcome of the primaries.
A statement released on Sunday by the APC Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Chief Uche Aguoru, confirmed that the panel would operate from the party’s new state secretariat located along Finbarr Road in Umuahia.
The statement urged aspirants who felt aggrieved by any aspect of the primary election to formally present their complaints and appeals before the committee for consideration.
According to the party, the review process was established to ensure fairness, transparency and compliance with the constitution of the APC as well as guidelines approved by the National Working Committee.
Party officials expressed confidence that the appeal panel would provide an opportunity for all concerns surrounding the primaries to be addressed peacefully and within the framework of the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism.
