Abia APC senatorial candidate rejects alleged substitution, insists on valid nomination

Chief Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, has vehemently rejected reports of his alleged substitution for the 2027 general election. He declared such a move unlawful and without legal standing, insisting he remains the duly nominated candidate.

Erondu, who also serves as the representative for Obingwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, stated that he secured victory in the party's direct primary election held on May 18, 2026. This primary, conducted across 65 electoral wards in six local government areas of Abia South, was reportedly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.

“

I was officially declared winner and returned as the APC candidate by the Primary Election Committee constituted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

He emphasized the transparency and credibility of the exercise, which he said adhered to APC guidelines and the Electoral Act. Erondu noted that the APC Primary Election Committee, established by the National Working Committee (NWC), officially declared him the winner. Furthermore, he stated that the APC Appeal Committee affirmed his victory after reviewing petitions from aggrieved aspirants. INEC also issued a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the primary election report on June 30, 2026, confirming his candidacy.

Expressing concern over reports that Prince Paul Ikonne might replace him, Erondu cautioned that any substitution would contravene Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the APC Constitution. He cited that substitutions are permissible only in cases of death, voluntary withdrawal via written notice, or a court order, none of which apply to him. Erondu urged the APC NWC and other party organs to uphold his mandate and the integrity of the democratic process. He also called on INEC to rely on its official records, including the certified primary election report, to confirm his candidacy. The lawmaker appealed to his supporters to remain calm and focused, dismissing the reports as misinformation and urging continued support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.

“

I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature. I have never signed or submitted any notice withdrawing my candidature to the All Progressives Congress.