"Sham Primary" Threatens APC's Abia Ambition as Founding Member Raises Alarm Over Opah's Emergence

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State is facing internal turmoil following the selection of Mr. Eric Opah as the party's governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Hon. Mezie Chiekwe Esiaga, a founding member of the party, has come forward to express his concerns, describing the primary that produced Opah as nothing more than a "sham."

According to Esiaga, the entire process raises serious questions. He claims that before May 14, the race was between two well known party figures Chief Henry Ikoh and Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu. Then, just hours before the primary, Opah appeared on the scene.

"I saw Eric Opah for the first time on May 14 during a meeting in Umuahia," Esiaga stated. "As someone who helped build this party from the ground up, I was shocked to discover that a man who had barely been in the APC for two weeks suddenly became a governorship aspirant."

Esiaga is particularly troubled by the candidate's recent political affiliations. He points out that Opah had previously praised Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party, even promising that supporters in Lagos would organize a reception for the governor due to his performance.

"How can a man who openly praised our main rival now carry our party's banner?" Esiaga questioned. "It just doesn't make sense."

The founding member argues that after Mascot Uzor Kalu withdrew from the race, the logical choice would have been Chief Henry Ikoh a former commissioner and minister who has invested years in building the party structure across Abia State.

"Henry Ikoh earned this ticket through years of dedication and service," Esiaga insisted. "If we're serious about winning in 2027, we need a candidate with grassroots support and statewide recognition."

Esiaga warned that the party is repeating the mistakes of 2022 when an unpopular candidate was imposed on members, leading to a crushing defeat. He predicts an even worse outcome this time if the issue isn't addressed.

The concerned party stalwart is now taking his grievances to the highest level. He revealed plans to petition President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directly, seeking intervention before it's too late.

"I'm preparing a letter to Mr. President because this needs urgent attention. We cannot hand victory to our opponents before the election even begins," Esiaga added.

With aggrieved members demanding a review of the primary process, the APC faces a critical moment that could determine its fate in Abia State come 2027.