Abia APC Youth Vanguard Condemns Governorship Primary Outcome, Demands Return to Consensus Agreement

The Abia APC Youth Vanguard has rejected the outcome of the party’s governorship primary election in the state, calling on the national leadership to revert to the “original consensus agreement” reached by stakeholders before the exercise.

In a statement signed by its convener, Apostle Joseph Ikenga and released in Aba on Thursday, the group described the process and result of the primary as a breach of trust that could damage party unity ahead of the next election cycle.

“We condemn in totality the outcome of the so-called governorship primary that did not reflect the spirit and letter of the consensus agreement painstakingly arrived at by leaders, elders, and critical stakeholders of our party in Abia.”

It further warned that if the outcome is sustained, the APC may loose the Governorship election in 2027.

According to the Youth Vanguard, the consensus model was adopted to prevent rancour, promote inclusion, and protect the interests of all blocs within the Abia APC. The group insists that abandoning it mid-process has created distrust among members, especially the youth base that provides grassroots mobilization.

“Our fear is that if the party continues on this path, the trust members have in internal democracy will be eroded. APC in Abia cannot afford another cycle of division caused by disregard for agreements freely entered,” the group said.

The Vanguard is therefore urging the National Working Committee and the party’s reconciliation committee to intervene immediately. It wants the process reviewed and the party to “return to the original consensus agreement” as a way to preserve cohesion and member confidence.

As of press time, the Abia APC state leadership has not issued an official response to the youth group’s demand.

The governorship primary has been a flashpoint in Abia APC politics, with different factions previously debating between direct, indirect, and consensus modes of selection.