In a strong rebuttal to recent rumors, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, has categorically dismissed allegations that the party intends to impose unpopular candidates on the electorate in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking to reporters in Abakaliki on Monday, Chief Emegha assured party members and aspirants that the APC is committed to conducting free and fair primary elections.
Emegha described the insinuations as “false and misleading,” urging both party members and the general public to disregard the speculations. He emphasized the critical importance of the 2027 elections for the APC’s sustained dominance in the state, stating, “We cannot afford to field unpopular candidates who may be rejected by the people.”
The chairman reiterated the party’s adherence to its constitution and electoral laws regarding the nomination of candidates, stating, “What I can assure you now is that Ebonyi APC will not field unpopular candidates. Such speculation and insinuations are unfounded and should be disregarded in their entirety.”
During the press briefing, Chief Emegha also addressed the APC’s representation at the upcoming national convention, confirming that the state will retain its position of National Treasurer. He noted that the national leadership had officially re-zoned the positions occupied by Ebonyi State at both zonal and national levels.
“His Excellency, our Governor, as the leader of the party, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the individuals occupying these positions. We hope they will emerge victorious in the conventions,” he added.*
In his remarks about the state’s political landscape, Chief Emegha praised Governor Francis Nwifuru’s leadership, which he credited for attracting new members from opposition parties to the APC. He highlighted a recent defection from the opposition, including the Director General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Chief Austine Igwe Edeze, and former Ebonyi State House of Assembly member, Hon. Mrs. Franka Okpo. Emegha expressed optimism about further opposition defections, stating, “Very soon, more opposition leaders will join us.”*
As the APC prepares for the primaries, the chairman’s comments signal a determined approach to solidifying the party’s standing in Ebonyi State and assuring voters of a transparent electoral process.