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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr., has firmly rejected reports alleging that he has been replaced as the party's candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that his nomination remains valid and legally binding.
In a personally signed statement, Erondu said he emerged victorious in the APC direct primary election held on May 18, 2026, across the 65 wards of Abia South, in an exercise monitored by INEC, the DSS, and other security agencies.
According to him, his victory was not only declared by the party's Primary Election Committee but was also upheld by the APC Appeal Committee after petitions from aggrieved aspirants were reviewed. He further revealed that INEC's Certified True Copy (CTC) of the primary election report, issued on June 30, 2026, officially recognizes him as the APC's senatorial candidate.
Reacting to reports that his name was being replaced with Prince Paul Ikonne, the Abia lawmaker described the move as unlawful, stressing that under the Electoral Act, a candidate can only be substituted in cases of death, voluntary withdrawal, or a valid court order.
"I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature, and I have never signed any notice relinquishing my ticket," Erondu declared.
He called on the APC National Working Committee to respect the outcome of the primary election and preserve the party's internal democracy, while urging INEC to remain guided by its official records.
Erondu also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful, united, and focused, assuring them that all lawful steps would be taken to protect the mandate freely given to him.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, he maintained that truth, justice, due process, and the rule of law will ultimately prevail.
