As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State, stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified calls for transparent and inclusive party primaries as a critical step toward securing electoral victory.
In a strongly worded opinion, a party supporter, Dike Isuochi, emphasized that credible primary elections remain the foundation of internal democracy, party unity, and electoral success. According to him, the process through which candidates emerge plays a decisive role in shaping the party’s cohesion and overall performance in the general election.
He noted that over the years, internal crises arising from disputed primaries have significantly weakened the APC in Abia, preventing it from clinching the governorship seat since 2007. These challenges, he argued, often stem from lack of transparency, imposition of candidates, and unresolved grievances among party members.
Isuochi specifically referenced past experiences during the political era of Ikechi Emenike, where contentious primaries and subsequent legal battles allegedly fractured party structures and eroded the unity required to challenge opposition parties effectively.
The analyst stressed that allowing all eligible party members to participate freely in the selection of the gubernatorial candidate would help rebuild trust and foster a sense of collective ownership. Such a process, he said, would energize the party base and position the APC as a formidable contender in 2027.
He further warned against the practice of “consensus arrangements” or endorsements perceived as imposed, noting that such approaches often alienate key stakeholders and fuel internal dissent. According to him, sidelining members from the decision-making process undermines democratic principles and weakens the party’s chances at the polls.
“Lessons from past mistakes must guide current actions,” Isuochi argued, adding that adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act regarding party primaries would not only strengthen internal democracy but also enhance the credibility of the party before the electorate.
Political observers in Abia State have echoed similar sentiments, noting that unity remains a major challenge for the APC in the state. They argue that a transparent primary process could serve as a turning point for the party, helping it present a united front against rival parties in the forthcoming election.
With the 2027 race still some distance away, party leaders are expected to weigh these concerns carefully as they strategize for what many consider a crucial election cycle for the APC in Abia State.
