Abia State APC Representative Disputes Claim of Replacement on Senatorial Ballot

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The All Progressives Congress candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr., has rejected reports that his name has been replaced as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.

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As reported by Daily Post, Erondu, in a statement personally signed on Saturday, described the alleged substitution as unlawful and unconstitutional, insisting that he remains the duly nominated APC candidate for the senatorial district.

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The lawmaker, who represents Obingwa West Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, said he emerged winner of the APC primary election held on May 16, 2026, across the 65 electoral wards in the six local government areas that make up Abia South Senatorial District.

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He said the result of the primary election was declared by the APC National Working Committee in the presence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services .

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Erondu added that he was issued a Certified True Copy of the APC Abia South primary election results on June 30, 2026, as proof of his victory.

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Reacting to reports that his name had been replaced with Paul Ikonne, the lawmaker said such action violated the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

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Citing Section 33 of the Act, Erondu stated that a political party can only substitute a candidate if the candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws through a personally signed written notice, or where a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order affecting the nomination.

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“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 I have not withdrawn my candidature.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 said.

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He called on the APC National Working Committee and INEC to ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act are respected and that his mandate is protected.

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The controversy comes after the Abia State chapter of the APC had on July 1, 2026, announced Erondu Uchenna Erondu as its candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District election, where he is expected to face Labour Party candidate Enyinnaya Abaribe.

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