Abia House of Reps aspirant rejects APC primary result, claims victory

An All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency seat, Onyeije Onuoha-Kalu, has rejected the outcome of the party’s primary election.

Onuoha-Kalu insisted that he is the rightful winner of the election held on Saturday, May 16.

The Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, chaired by Barrister Erasmus Cishak, had declared Ikenna Nicholas as the winner of the contest for the constituency.

However, addressing journalists in Umuahia on Sunday, Onuoha-Kalu maintained that he won 15 of the 22 wards in the federal constituency.

“I won eight out of 11 wards in Arochukwu Local Government Area and seven out of 11 wards in Ohafia Local Government Area,” Onuoha-Kalu said.

Describing the primary election as largely peaceful, the aspirant commended party leaders and the people of Arochukwu and Ohafia for their support.

On why he would not concede despite the committee’s announcement, Onuoha-Kalu said the declaration process was still ongoing and urged the party to uphold the rule of law.

“Our party is law-abiding, and we practice the rule of law. There is no need for the party not to uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He also noted that he would focus on reaching out to his supporters and constituents to express gratitude for the trust they reposed in him.

Onuoha-Kalu called on APC members in the state to support the party’s governorship aspirant, Chief Henry Ikoh, describing him as a successful industrialist with a proven track record in job creation and integrity.

“It is not easy to build a company to that height. It takes an industrialist to build an industry, and he has been giving a lot of people jobs.

“We are confident in him. He is a man of integrity, and with his experience, we believe he will turn things around,” Onuoha-Kalu added.