Abia APC denies allegations of giving its 2027 governorship ticket to a non-party member, as Eric Opah defeats Henry Ikoh in a transparent primary election
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has firmly rejected claims that it awarded its 2027 governorship ticket to a non-party member, describing the primary election won by Eric Opah as transparent and credible.
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The denial came on Monday 22 June 2026 during a press briefing at the party secretariat in Umuahia by the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru.
Some prominent party members, including Mezie Chiekwe Esiaga and Ndubuisi Eme, had earlier threatened that the APC risked a heavy defeat in 2027 if the ticket was not given to former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Henry Ikoh.
Aguoru dismissed the allegations, insisting that Opah has been a committed and grounded member of the party long before the primary exercise.
“Opah was not smuggled in through the back door. He is a legitimate member of the APC,” he said.
According to the results announced by the party, Eric Opah secured a decisive victory with 125,977 votes, while Henry Ikoh polled 5,905 votes.
The Publicity Secretary accused those threatening to work against the party of being sponsored by an opposition party in the state with the sole aim of embarrassing the APC.
He expressed confidence that Abia APC remains united and ready for the 2027 general elections.
“Abia APC is united and focused for the 2027 polls,” Aguoru added.
The development highlights ongoing tensions within the Abia APC as the party prepares to challenge the ruling Labour Party, which itself is currently grappling with internal factional divisions.
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Uche Aguoru maintained that the primary was free and fair, and warned against attempts to undermine the party’s democratic process from within.
