Abia APC: Consensus Candidate Only With Unanimous Agreement, Says State Chairman

In Abia State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is navigating the complexities of candidate selection for the upcoming elections, with a clear stance on consensus arrangements. Chijioke Chukwu, the State Chairman, has asserted that the party will not impose a consensus candidate unless every single aspirant agrees to the process. This approach underscores a commitment to internal democracy and fairness within the party ranks.

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For a consensus candidate to emerge, all aspirants will sit down and agree to it. If they are 10 and one disagrees, they will go into primaries

Chukwu elaborated that if even one out of ten aspirants disagrees with a consensus choice, the party will proceed to primaries. This policy aims to ensure that the party fields candidates who have broad support and are well-positioned for electoral success, emphasizing that the 2027 elections are anticipated to be highly competitive. The decision-making power on consensus candidates, he noted, extends beyond the State Working Committee to involve key stakeholders.

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The party, he said would not want to field a candidate who would lose in the general elections, stating also that the party doesn’t support injustice.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ndubuisi, a two-term member of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Bende South, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Bende Federal Constituency seat. Ndubuisi aims to step into the shoes of the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. He expressed confidence in his ability to secure the party's nomination, citing his extensive experience in both state and federal legislative matters.

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After consultations, “I have decided that I am presenting myself to contest for the Bende federal constituency seat, come the next election.

Ndubuisi believes that the federal House of Representatives will provide the platform needed to develop the Bende local government area into an economic hub. He acknowledged Kalu's contributions in paving the way for his ambition. The party, while recognizing Ndubuisi's experience, maintains that due process must be followed in nominating any candidate, reinforcing the principle that consensus is a collective decision, not an imposition.

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Whatever way my party decides to nominate somebody for the contest, I am sure that I will emerge. I have contested for the federal House of Representatives before for the primary; and having served two tenures at the state House of Assembly, I have a lot of experience and the calling in leadership.