Tensions have continued to rise within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State after a group of party stakeholders declared that no legitimate primary election was conducted for the Abia Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders, in a formal petition submitted to the national leadership of the party, alleged that claims of a completed primary election were false and aimed at imposing candidates on party members without following constitutional procedures.
According to the group, no official electoral process took place in the district, as there were no accredited delegates, recognized electoral committee members, or lawful voting arrangements during the purported exercise.
The petition has sparked fresh controversy within the APC’s Abia chapter, with concerns growing that unresolved disputes over candidate selection could affect party unity and weaken its political structure ahead of the next election cycle.
The stakeholders urged the APC National Working Committee to reject any result linked to the disputed exercise and ensure that all future party activities comply strictly with democratic principles and internal guidelines.
“We categorically state that no valid primary election was held in Abia Central Senatorial District,” the petition reportedly stated. “Any result being circulated did not emerge from a lawful or transparent process recognized by party members.”
The aggrieved members also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged primary election. They warned that ignoring the matter could create deeper divisions among party loyalists in the state.
Political analysts believe the dispute reflects increasing competition among APC factions as politicians begin positioning themselves for strategic offices ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abia State remains one of the key battlegrounds in the South-East, with political parties already intensifying consultations, grassroots mobilization, and alliance-building despite the elections being several years away.
Sources within the party disclosed that disagreements over delegate selection, zoning arrangements, and control of party structures have contributed significantly to the ongoing crisis.
Some members accused influential figures within the party of attempting to manipulate the process in favor of preferred aspirants, while others insisted that consultations were not properly conducted before the alleged announcement of results.
The controversy has generated mixed reactions among party supporters and political observers, many of whom have urged the APC leadership to intervene quickly in order to prevent further internal conflict.
Analysts warn that prolonged disputes over primaries and candidate selection often weaken political parties, particularly in highly competitive states where opposition groups are actively seeking to gain support.
A senior APC source familiar with the situation revealed that the national leadership was already reviewing the complaints submitted by the stakeholders and could initiate reconciliation efforts to calm tensions within the state chapter.
“The party leadership is committed to fairness, unity, and internal democracy,” the source said. “Every concern raised by party members will be carefully reviewed in accordance with the constitution of the party.”
The APC has consistently emphasized the importance of credible internal democratic processes as part of broader efforts to strengthen its national structure ahead of future elections.
Party leaders have also repeatedly warned members against actions capable of creating disunity or damaging the public image of the party.
Meanwhile, political activities across Abia State continue to intensify as aspirants and political groups quietly prepare for the 2027 elections. Several politicians are reportedly positioning themselves for senatorial, governorship, and House of Representatives contests.
Observers believe the outcome of the Abia Central dispute could play a significant role in determining the APC’s stability and electoral prospects in the state moving forward.
As of the time this report was filed, the Abia State chapter of the APC had yet to release an official statement responding to the allegations raised by the stakeholders. However, party insiders indicated that consultations and behind-the-scenes meetings were ongoing to resolve the matter peacefully.
With political momentum gradually building nationwide ahead of the 2027 polls, attention is expected to remain on how major political parties manage internal disagreements and maintain confidence among their members.
