A coalition of All Progressives Congress stakeholders from Abia Central Senatorial District has petitioned APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, rejecting allegations of electoral malpractice in the May 18 senatorial primary.
In a petition released Monday, the group described claims of irregularities made by associates of Hon. Sam Onuigbo as a “calculated campaign of falsehood” aimed at destabilising the party ahead of 2027.
It identified the petitioners, Uche Onyejekwe and Mrs. Ego Nwamuo, as Onuigbo’s personal staff members from his home community of Ibere in Ikwuano LGA, saying they do not speak for the district’s leadership.
The stakeholders accused Onuigbo of acting to undermine the party’s chances in Abia State, citing his post-2023 election litigation which they said distracted the party.
They defended the May 18 primary as transparent, providing vote tallies: Hon. Emeka Atuma 36,935; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu 11,457; Hon. Sam Onuigbo 5,833.
They argued Onuigbo’s result reflects weak grassroots support and that his protests are an attempt to “manufacture a crisis.”
The group urged the APC National Working Committee to disregard the petitions and focus on 2027 preparations.
The petition was signed by party leaders including Mrs. Ngozi Orji of Ikwuano LGA, Tony Eze of Umuahia North, Dr. Max Adindu of Umuahia South, and others from Isiala-Ngwa South, Isiala Ngwa North, and Osisioma LGAs.
The APC national leadership had not issued a formal response as of press time.
