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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Abia APC insists Opah remains governorship candidate, dismisses rival's claims

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Abia State's All Progressives Congress (APC) has affirmed Chief Eric Opah as its governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
  • The party dismissed claims that Chief Henry Ikoh won the primaries, presenting vote counts showing Opah's decisive victory.
  • APC officials stated that internal processes are underway to address any legal issues and warned against external attempts to destabilize the party.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly stated that Chief Eric Opah remains its chosen candidate for the 2027 governorship election. This clarification comes after a video circulated alleging that Chief Henry Ikoh, who lost the primaries, was the actual winner, demanding a reversal of the results. Some questioned Opah's candidacy, citing him as a recent party entrant.

The governorship primary that was held on May 21 saw Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh scoring 5,905 votes, while Dr. Eric Chimucheya Opah scored 125,977 votes to emerge winner of that election.

— Uche AguoruAbia State APC Publicity Secretary explaining the primary results.

Addressing reporters in Umuahia, APC Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru presented official results from the May 21 primaries. He stated Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh received 5,905 votes, while Chief Dr. Eric Chimucheya Opah secured 125,977 votes. Aguoru also detailed Opah's active involvement since joining the APC in 2023, highlighting his contributions to party growth and financing.

In Ikwuano, the local government of Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, he scored 2,403 votes, while Chief Eric Opah scored 3,486 votes in the same area, showing that even in his own locality, he was defeated by Opah.

— Uche AguoruAbia State APC Publicity Secretary highlighting Opah's performance in Ikoh's home area.

Aguoru further noted Opah's strong performance even in Ikoh's home area, Ikwuano. In that local government, Opah garnered 3,486 votes compared to Ikoh's 2,403. The party spokesperson mentioned that the National Working Committee is still reviewing candidate lists and internal processes to resolve any legal concerns, emphasizing adherence to democratic principles.

The party is going through due process to ensure that all legal issues surrounding the candidacy are properly addressed. We are a progressive party guided by democratic principles.

— Uche AguoruAbia State APC Publicity Secretary on the internal review of primary results.

He urged party members to remain calm, assuring them that the primary outcome would be respected. Aguoru suggested that the controversy was instigated by external forces aiming to disrupt the party due to fear of its strong candidates. He asserted that the Abia APC remains united and focused on its objectives.

No one should panic. The results that were voted for will be respected. We went through a very thorough democratic process.

— Uche AguoruAbia State APC Publicity Secretary urging calm among party members.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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