An aggrieved aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Barrister Obinna Randy Ukawoke, has rejected the outcome of the party’s House of Representatives primary election, alleging that no credible primary election took place.
Speaking during an interview, Barr. Ukawoke, a lawyer, philanthropist, and founder of the Obi Nwanne Support Initiative, described the exercise as a “charade,” insisting that the process lacked transparency, fairness, and due electoral procedure.
According to him, events leading to the controversial exercise began with a meeting allegedly convened at the residence of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, where aspirants were reportedly encouraged to consider stepping down for a consensus candidate.
Ukawoke disclosed that other aspirants present at the meeting included Dr. Martina Ononiwu, Chief Mark Ugorji, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, and Chief Lucky Igbokwe, popularly known as Don Lulu.
The APC chieftain said he declined any suggestion of stepping down, arguing that his aspiration represented the collective interest of the Ubakala clan, which he claimed had long been marginalized politically.
“I told them clearly that this aspiration was bigger than me. It was about giving my people a sense of belonging and proving that Ubakala has capable sons and daughters,” he said.
Barr. Ukawoke further alleged that shortly after the meeting, rumours emerged claiming he had withdrawn from the race, forcing him to publicly deny the reports through media appearances and press briefings.
Narrating events on the day of the primary election, the lawyer claimed that aspirants were informed that electoral materials had been delayed due to alleged logistical issues and purported hijacking of materials en route from Imo Airport to Umuahia.
He said while aspirants awaited further directives at the APC secretariat in Umuahia, reports suddenly emerged that voting had commenced in some wards without proper notification, accreditation, or deployment of electoral officials.
Ukawoke accused party officials and coordinators loyal to the declared winner of conducting what he described as “mock counting exercises” in selected wards, while several other wards were allegedly skipped entirely.
He claimed that in many locations, delegates were allegedly lined up and counted without formal voting procedures, while some communities reportedly resisted the exercise.
The APC aspirant also alleged acts of intimidation and violence in certain wards, particularly in Umuahia North urban areas, where he claimed some of his supporters and ward officials were attacked after refusing to endorse the process.
According to him, despite months of grassroots mobilization and extensive campaign tours across the constituency, he was allegedly denied the opportunity to even vote in his own ward.
Barr. Ukawoke maintained that his campaign enjoyed widespread support across Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South, citing his philanthropic activities through the Obi Nwanne Foundation, his business presence through Abia Hotel, and his community engagements as factors that boosted his popularity.
The legal practitioner said he had sacrificed significantly for the APC, recalling that parts of his business investments, including his Abia Hotel property, farm projects, livestock, and personal belongings, were allegedly destroyed following political events connected to APC activities in the state.
Despite his grievances, Ukawoke ruled out leaving the APC, insisting he remains committed to the party and its ideals.
“I came into APC consciously and deliberately. I will not leave the party because of this. We don’t run away from a house because the window falls off; we fix the window and continue building,” he stated.
The aspirant, however, disclosed that his supporters have been urging him to challenge the outcome legally, arguing that the conduct of the exercise violated party guidelines and denied aspirants equal participation.
While noting that litigation remains an available option, Ukawoke said consultations were ongoing, and no final decision had been reached regarding court action.
He also announced plans to strengthen his grassroots humanitarian structures and launch a broader civic movement aimed at rebuilding trust between political leaders and the people.
Barr. Ukawoke added that despite not securing the APC ticket, he intends to proceed with some of the welfare initiatives he promised constituents during his campaign, including community transportation support and healthcare interventions for elderly citizens.
The APC leadership in Abia State is yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by the aggrieved aspirant.
