APC Reps Primaries: Kalu, Onyejeocha, Orji, Others Emerge Candidates in Abia

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday conducted its House of Representatives primary elections across Abia State, producing candidates for the 2027 general elections amid assurances of transparency and party unity.

Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primaries Committee for Abia State, Barrister Erasmus Cishak, declared the exercise peaceful, orderly and credible, noting that election materials arrived at about 11 a.m. before voting commenced across the constituencies.

Among the prominent party figures who secured the APC tickets was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate for Bende Federal Constituency.

Also emerging victorious were Rt. Hon. Chinedu Enyinnaya Orji for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency; Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency; Chris Nkwonta for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency; Uzo Azubuike for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency; Udo Alozie for Ugwunagbo/Osisioma/Obingwa Federal Constituency; Uzoma Ihuka for Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency; and Ikenna Ukwa for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
Cishak commended aspirants, delegates and party supporters for their peaceful conduct throughout the exercise and urged unsuccessful contestants to accept the outcome in good faith for the overall interest of the party.

Speaking after his emergence, Kalu expressed appreciation to APC members in Bende Federal Constituency for endorsing him to seek a third term in the House of Representatives.

The Deputy Speaker said the overwhelming support demonstrated confidence in his leadership and representation since his election in 2019, adding that the absence of opposition during the primary reflected the desire of the people for continuity.

According to him, ongoing projects and legislative interventions initiated under his stewardship needed to be sustained in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Kalu pledged to continue providing effective representation, quality lawmaking and attracting more federal presence to communities within the constituency if re-elected in 2027.

He further argued that his current ranking position and experience in the National Assembly placed him in a stronger position to attract more development projects to Bende Federal Constituency, warning that replacing an experienced lawmaker could slow ongoing progress.

The Deputy Speaker also reaffirmed the commitment of APC lawmakers to supporting the policies and reforms of President Tinubu’s administration, which he said were aimed at national development and improved governance.

Addressing concerns over internal disagreements within the party, Kalu maintained that the APC leadership had made it clear that there would be no automatic tickets for aspirants, stressing that all contestants were encouraged to test their popularity either through consensus arrangements or delegate primaries.

He expressed optimism that the APC would perform strongly in the 2027 general elections, insisting that his achievements and relationship with constituents would speak for him during campaigns.