Fresh political tension has erupted within the Abia State chapter of the APC over the party’s House of Representatives ticket for the Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The dispute persists despite the party’s July 1 reaffirmation of incumbent lawmaker Chris Nkwonta as the winner of the May 16, 2026 primary election.
However, a coalition of APC members and stakeholders from the oil-producing communities, including the New Ukwa Progressive Initiative (NUPI), Asa Development Union (ADA) and Renewed Hope Ambassadors, staged a protest in Obehie, insisting that former ASOPADEC Chairman Samuel Nwogu rightfully won the party’s ticket.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Akanwa Franklin and Boniface Nwaigwe argued that the House of Representatives seat had remained in one section of the constituency for two decades and called for fairness, while urging the party to protect peace in the area.
In response, another faction of APC leaders loyal to Chris Nkwonta held a separate press briefing in Akwete, reaffirming that Nkwonta remains the party’s authentic candidate for the 2027 election.
In a communiqué signed by the APC chairmen of Ukwa East and Ukwa West LGAs, the group maintained that Nkwonta’s victory was officially declared by the National Assembly Primary Elections Committee and insisted that his candidature has neither been withdrawn nor substituted.
The conflicting claims have further deepened divisions within the APC in the oil-producing federal constituency, raising concerns over the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 polls.
