The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Abia South Senatorial District, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr., Esq., has rejected reports of an alleged substitution of his candidature for the 2027 general election, describing the move as “unlawful, unconstitutional and of no legal effect.”
‎
‎In a press statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, Erondu maintained that he remains the duly nominated APC candidate after winning the party’s direct primary election held on May 18, 2026, across the 65 electoral wards in the six local government areas of Abia South.
‎
‎The lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly said the primary was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies, and was conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act.
According to him, he was officially declared winner and returned as the APC candidate by the Primary Election Committee constituted by the party’s National Working Committee, NWC.
‎
‎Erondu disclosed that following petitions by some aspirants, the APC Appeal Committee reviewed the process and “unanimously affirmed” his victory.
‎
‎He also noted that INEC issued a Certified True Copy, CTC, of the APC Abia South Senatorial Primary Election Report on June 30, 2026, confirming him as the duly elected candidate.
‎
‎Expressing surprise over reports linking his alleged substitution to Prince Paul Ikonne, Erondu said any attempt to replace him would violate the Electoral Act, 2026, and the APC Constitution.
Citing Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, he stated that substitution can only occur if a candidate dies, voluntarily withdraws in writing, or by a court order.
‎
‎”I am alive. I have not withdrawn my candidature. I have never signed or submitted any notice withdrawing my candidature to the All Progressives Congress,” he declared.
‎
‎The former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area urged the APC NWC to uphold the rule of law and respect the mandate given to him by party members.
‎
‎He also called on INEC to be guided by its official records, including the CTC issued on June 30, 2026.
‎
‎Erondu appealed to his supporters, the Igodo Igwe Foundation, the Erondu Jnr. Mandate Support Group, and APC members to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding.
‎
‎He advised them not to be distracted by rumours but to remain committed to supporting the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while “all lawful and constitutional avenues are pursued to protect the mandate.”
‎
‎He expressed confidence that “truth, justice, due process and the rule of law would ultimately prevail.”
‎
‎
