An aspirant for the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, Onyeije Onuoha-Kalu, has claimed victory in the just concluded primary election.
The Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, led by Barrister Erasmus Cishak, had announced Ikenna Nicholas, as the winner of the primary election for the constituency on Saturday.
However, addressing journalists on Sunday in Umuahia, Kalu said he won 15 of the 22 wards in the contest held on Saturday, May 16.
He said he secured 8 of the 11 wards in Arochukwu Local Government Area and 7 of the 11 wards in Ohafia LGA, giving him a majority across the constituency.
He said, “We have 22 wards in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, and out of that, I won 15.
“I’m here to thank the people of Arochukwu and Ohafia for their support and to commend party leaders for ensuring the process went smoothly.”
Asked why he would not concede as another person was declared winner of the primary election, Kalu maintained he was the rightful winner.
He said the National Assembly Primary Election Committee, was still in progress and there was time for a proper declaration.
“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.
On his next steps, Kalu said his immediate focus was to thank his constituents and express gratitude for their trust.
The aspirant also called on party members to rally behind a governorship aspirant in the party
Chief Henry Ikoh, describing him as a successful industrialist with a track record of 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,” Kalu said.
Meanwhile the APC National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee has commenced sitting in the state to receive and consider complaints arising from the exercise.
A statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the state Chief Uche Aguoru, on Sunday State that committee led by Chris Dajan, as chairman will be sitting at the party’s new state Secretariat on Finbard Road in Umuahia.
The statement read, “Any aspirant who may be dissatisfied or aggrieved by any aspect of the primary election is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by formally submitting complaints, petitions, or appeals to the Committee for fair and objective consideration, in line with the Constitution of the Party and guidelines approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).”
