The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed Chief Eric Opah as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, dismissing claims that Chief Henry Ikoh emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary.

The clarification followed a viral video where some individuals alleged that Ikoh, who participated in the primary election, was the actual winner and called for the reversal of the result. The group warned that failure to address their concerns could trigger an internal crisis within the party.

The individuals also questioned Opah’s emergence, claiming that he was a recent entrant into the party and lacked the history of a long-standing stakeholder.

However, addressing journalists during a press conference in Umuahia on Monday, the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, insisted that the party’s governorship primary was properly conducted on May 21, 2026, with Opah emerging as the winner.

Aguoru stated that Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh scored 5,905 votes, while Dr. Eric Chimucheya Opah secured 125,977 votes to win the election.

He said, “The governorship primary that was held on May 21 saw Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh scoring 5,905 votes, while Dr. Eric Chimucheya Opah scored 125,977 votes to emerge winner of that election.”

The party spokesperson also defended Opah’s membership and contribution to the APC, explaining that he joined the party in 2023 and had since supported its activities at different levels.

According to him, Opah contributed to party congresses and supported the financing of party activities across local government areas and wards.

Aguoru further stated that Opah recorded a strong performance even in Ikoh’s home local government area, Ikwuano.

“In Ikwuano, the local government of Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, he scored 2,403 votes, while Chief Eric Opah scored 3,486 votes in the same area, showing that even in his own locality, he was defeated by Opah,” he said.

The APC spokesperson noted that the party’s National Working Committee was yet to release the final list of candidates, adding that internal procedures were still ongoing to resolve any legal matters connected to the primary election.

He maintained that the party remained committed to due process and democratic principles in handling the issue.

“The party is going through due process to ensure that all legal issues surrounding the candidacy are properly addressed. We are a progressive party guided by democratic principles,” he said.

Aguoru appealed to party members to remain calm, assuring them that the outcome of the primary election would be respected.

“No one should panic. The results that were voted for will be respected. We went through a very thorough democratic process,” he added.

He also alleged that some individuals were being influenced by external forces seeking to create division within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, opposition interests were attempting to cause confusion because of the strength of the APC’s candidate.

“Some of these people are being sponsored by other political parties. They are afraid of the quality of candidates we have presented. What they are doing is trying to create crisis and confusion within the party,” he said.

Aguoru, however, insisted that the APC in Abia State remained united and focused, adding that attempts to create internal divisions would not succeed.