APC Abia Defends Primaries, Says Exercise Followed INEC Rules, Electoral Act
By Charity Uwakwe
“Shock, tension, and political calculations shaped the APC governorship primaries in Abia State as party leaders finally addressed the controversial withdrawal of Mascot Uzor Kalu and mounting concerns from aggrieved aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.”
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has defended the conduct of its 2027 primary elections amid rising controversies, internal tensions, and speculations surrounding the withdrawal of frontline governorship aspirant, Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu. Speaking shortly after the governorship primaries in Umuahia, the party leadership insisted that the entire exercise followed constitutional procedures, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act, while assuring aggrieved members that reconciliation efforts were already underway to prevent division ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
” APC Abia State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, says the party’s 2027 primaries were conducted in line with the APC constitution, INEC guidelines, and the Electoral Act. He described Mascot Uzor Kalu’s withdrawal from the governorship race as voluntary and aimed at strengthening party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the conduct of its recently concluded primary elections, insisting that the exercises were transparent, constitutional, and compliant with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The State Chairman of the party, Chijioke Chukwu, stated this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia shortly after the governorship primaries.
Chukwu explained that the APC primaries in Abia State commenced on Saturday, May 14, 2026, with the House of Representatives primaries. This was followed by the Senate primaries on May 18, the State House of Assembly primaries on May 20, and the governorship primary held on May 21.
According to him, all the exercises were conducted “in total obedience to the party’s constitution and guidelines and in line with INEC guidelines and the Electoral Act.”
The APC chairman further explained that the party only recognises two legitimate modes of primary elections.
“For our party, there are only two acceptable modes of primary elections — consensus and direct primaries,” he said.
“Consensus means that all aspirants willingly and voluntarily agree to step down for a particular candidate. However, where that fails, and it is not merely an adoption by stakeholders or party loyalists, the party proceeds with direct primaries.”
Speaking on security arrangements during the exercises, Chukwu said the situation across various venues remained largely peaceful.
“So far, the security arrangements in all the venues have been near perfect. There has been no serious incident of violence except for a few minor disagreements, which were effectively managed by security agencies,” he stated.
He added that INEC officials monitored the exercises from the ward level to local government, constituency, and state levels.
“APC Abia State has complied fully with INEC provisions and the Electoral Act. By the time our candidates emerge, we will be fully prepared for the general election,” he added.
The party chairman also defended the outcome of the primaries while assuring aggrieved aspirants that the APC remained committed to reconciliation, fairness, unity, and internal stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chukwu stressed that only officially designated returning officers possess the authority to announce election results, noting that contrary reports may have arisen from misunderstandings within party communication channels.
On speculations surrounding the withdrawal of frontline governorship aspirant, Mascot Uzor Kalu, the APC chairman maintained that the decision was voluntary and taken in the overall interest of the party.
He described the development as patriotic and beneficial to the unity and progress of the APC in Abia State.
According to him, the party had anticipated post-primary grievances and was already considering the establishment of a peace and reconciliation committee to address complaints and foster unity among members.
He noted that while not every aspirant could emerge victorious, the party considered several critical factors before choosing candidates, including popularity, zoning arrangements, loyalty, capacity, and financial strength.
“We are not just looking for candidates who are sellable and marketable; we are also considering capacity, loyalty, equity, and the overall interest of the party,” Chukwu stated.
The APC chairman further assured party loyalists that committed members would continue to be rewarded through appointments, inclusion, and other opportunities within the party structure and government.
He also maintained that Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained determined to strengthen the APC’s political presence in Abia State and secure victories at all levels in the 2027 elections.
Chukwu added that the party leadership would explore possible measures to ease the burden on aspirants who lost during the primaries, including initiatives aimed at cushioning the financial implications of the exercise.
