Ikonne challenges Abaribe Abia South Senate race 2027 as APC chieftain declares ambition and criticises senator’s performance in office
Prince Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State and senatorial aspirant for Abia South, on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, in Abuja, declared his intention to unseat Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in the 2027 general election after picking up his nomination and expression of interest forms.
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Ikonne, a former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, made the remarks while speaking with journalists, stating that his decision to enter the race was driven by what he described as the need for stronger and more effective representation for the district.
He said Abia South had suffered years of weak performance at the National Assembly, insisting that the time had come for a change in leadership style and approach.
In a strongly worded statement during the interaction, Ikonne criticised Senator Abaribe’s tenure, alleging that the lawmaker had become disconnected from grassroots concerns.
“If you are familiar with Senator Abaribe very well, you will realize that he is an attention seeker and a media creation,” Ikonne said.
He further claimed that constituents were dissatisfied with the current representation, arguing that the district deserved a more impactful voice in the Senate.
“Currently, Abia South does not look like a district with his representation in the Senate,” he added.
The remarks have intensified early political tensions in Abia South as parties begin positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts noting that the contest could become one of the most closely watched races in the state.
Also read: Bamidele Says Abaribe’s Senate Seat May Be Vacant
Ikonne’s entry into the race adds a new dimension to the political landscape in Abia South, where Senator Abaribe remains a prominent figure with significant political experience.
