2027: Henry Ikoh Rejects Abia APC Primary Result, Petitions Appeal Committee

Former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, has formally challenged the outcome of the Abia State All Progressives Congress governorship primary, rejecting the declaration of Chief Eric Opiah as winner of the exercise.

Ikoh submitted a protest letter to the APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee in Umuahia on Monday, insisting that he emerged as the duly adopted consensus governorship candidate of the party in accordance with APC guidelines. According to the former minister, 13 out of the 18 members of the party’s State Working Committee endorsed his candidature following extensive consultations among party stakeholders across Abia State.

He argued that the consensus arrangement was reached to ensure unity within the party and produce a broadly acceptable candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Ikoh expressed surprise over the eventual declaration of another aspirant as winner despite what he described as a lawful and documented consensus agreement backed by a majority of the party leadership in the state.

“I remain a loyal and committed member of the APC and my decision to approach the Appeal Committee is borne out of the need to uphold the truth and safeguard the credibility of our great party,” he stated. “The consensus arrangement that produced my candidature was genuine, lawful and supported by 13 out of 18 SWC members.”

The former minister maintained that the appeal process offers the party an opportunity to uphold internal democracy and preserve confidence among party members ahead of the next election cycle. He also appealed to APC supporters across Abia State to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions within the party.

Ikoh expressed confidence in the ability of the appeal committee and the national leadership of the APC to deliver justice fairly and transparently.

The development has added fresh tension to the Abia APC governorship race, with political observers closely watching how the party leadership handles the growing dispute.