The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, have emerged as candidates of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 House of Representatives elections in Abia State.
The two prominent politicians secured the party’s tickets unopposed during the APC House of Representatives primary elections held across the eight federal constituencies in the state.
Kalu was returned as the APC candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, further strengthening his political influence in the area, while Onyejeocha clinched the party’s ticket for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.
The results were announced on Saturday night at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia by the Chairman of the Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Barrister Erasmus Cishak.
According to Cishak, the exercise was conducted peacefully and reflected transparency and credibility, adding that party members and stakeholders actively participated throughout the process.
In other outcomes from the primaries, Hon. Chris Nkwonta emerged as the APC candidate for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, while Hon. Uzor Azubuike secured the party’s ticket for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency.
Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, also emerged victorious in the primary election for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
Political observers believe his emergence could set the stage for one of the fiercest contests in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, Hon. Uzoma Theodore Uka secured the APC ticket for Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, while Hon. Udo Alozie emerged winner for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency.
For Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Nicholas clinched the party’s ticket after emerging victorious in the primary election.
Barrister Cishak praised party members for their orderly conduct during the exercise and stated that the committee remained committed to fairness, transparency and internal democracy throughout the process.
The successful conclusion of the primaries is being viewed as an important step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections in Abia State, as the party seeks to expand its political influence and strengthen its challenge against rival parties across the state.
