According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Chijioke Chukwu, has stated that the party will not allow the imposition of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing a shift toward internal democracy and fairness in the selection process.
He made it clear that no individual or group would have the authority to unilaterally decide who emerges as a candidate under the party’s platform.
Chukwu made this known during a meeting held at the party’s state office in Umuahia, where he received Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, an aspirant seeking to represent the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the party leadership to outline its stance on how future candidates would emerge, especially as preparations gradually begin toward the next election cycle.
During the engagement, the state chairman stressed that all aspirants within the party would be given equal opportunities to contest for tickets.
He explained that the leadership is committed to ensuring a transparent process that allows members to participate freely without interference or bias from influential figures within or outside the state structure of the party.
He further indicated that the party in Abia State has moved away from earlier practices where certain individuals allegedly used the party’s platform mainly to secure political appointments at the federal level.
According to him, such actions undermined the integrity of the party and weakened the confidence of grassroots members who expect fairness and accountability from the leadership.
Chukwu explained that the reforms being introduced are aimed at restoring trust among party members and strengthening internal processes.
He noted that the emergence of candidates would be determined strictly by the collective decision of party members, rather than by endorsements or backing from individuals with connections to the national leadership of the party.
He reiterated that the leadership would not tolerate any attempt to influence the process through personal relationships or external pressure.
The chairman maintained that the party’s focus is to build a system where competence, acceptance, and the support of members would determine who gets the opportunity to contest elections under its banner.
He said, “We have returned power to the people. Nobody can stay on this table and give anybody a ticket.”
