Abia APC candidate speaks out against claims of ticket change

The All Progressives Congress candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr., has denied reports that he has been replaced as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Erondu, in a statement he signed on Saturday, called the claims of his substitution unlawful and unconstitutional. He insists he is still the nominated APC candidate for the senatorial district.

He represents Obingwa West Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly. Erondu said he won the APC primary election on May 16, 2026, which took place across 65 electoral wards in the six local government areas that form Abia South Senatorial District.

The APC National Working Committee announced the primary election results in front of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services.

Erondu mentioned that he received a Certified True Copy of the APC Abia South primary election results on June 30, 2026, proving his victory.

Responding to news that his name was replaced by Paul Ikonne, he said this action goes against the Electoral Act, 2026.

He referred to Section 33 of the Act, which states that a political party can only substitute a candidate if the candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws in writing, or if a court orders a change.

“I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature. I have never signed or submitted any notice withdrawing my candidature to the All Progressives Congress,” he stated.

Erondu urged the APC National Working Committee and INEC to uphold the Electoral Act and protect his mandate.

This issue arose after the Abia State chapter of the APC announced Erondu Uchenna Erondu as its candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District election on July 1, 2026. He is set to compete against Labour Party candidate Enyinnaya Abaribe.