Ebonyi APC Sets January 25 for Chairmanship Councillorship Primaries

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has unveiled plans for its internal elections aimed at selecting candidates for the upcoming local government polls. Party leaders say the primaries will determine those who will represent the APC in both chairmanship and councillorship contests across the state.

The announcement was made in Abakaliki by the state chairman of the party, Stanley Okoro Emegha, shortly after a meeting with members of the State Executive Council. Addressing reporters, he explained that the primaries are scheduled to take place on January 25, 2026, and preparations will begin earlier in the month to ensure a smooth process.

Emegha assured party members that the leadership is committed to organizing a credible and well-structured selection exercise. According to him, the party is putting mechanisms in place to guarantee openness and proper coordination throughout the process.

Preparatory Timeline for the Primaries

Before the primary elections take place, the party intends to carry out several administrative steps to ensure readiness. Party officials indicated that activities would begin in early January, allowing enough time for screening, consultations, and logistical arrangements.

The key timeline outlined by the party leadership includes:

Early January: commencement of preparations and coordination for the primaries
Mid-January: completion of screening and administrative arrangements
January 25, 2026: conduct of councillorship and chairmanship primaries across the state

According to Emegha, this structured timetable is designed to prevent confusion and guarantee equal opportunity for aspirants.

Resignation Requirement for Political Appointees

The APC chairman also addressed the eligibility conditions for individuals currently serving in government appointments under Governor Francis Nwifuru. He warned that any appointee interested in contesting for a local government position must first step down from their office.

Party rules require such officials to resign at least 30 days before the primaries. Emegha emphasized that the deadline for resignation was December 20, 2025, adding that anyone who failed to comply with that requirement would not be allowed to participate in the party’s candidate selection process.

The directive, according to the party, is intended to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain fairness among all aspirants.

Membership Revalidation Exercise

Another initiative expected to begin soon is a membership revalidation program. Emegha explained that the exercise would commence once the party receives its official registration code needed to update membership records.

The goal of the revalidation effort is to ensure accurate documentation of party members and strengthen internal organization ahead of upcoming elections. Party officials say the process will emphasize transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Construction of a New Party Secretariat

Beyond electoral preparations, the APC leadership in Ebonyi also revealed plans for a major infrastructure project—the construction of a new state secretariat for the party.

According to Emegha, building work has already started and the complex is expected to be completed within six months. He described the proposed structure as a symbol of the party’s growth and long-term political ambitions within the state.

In an expression of confidence about the project, the chairman claimed the new complex would surpass the size of the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, highlighting it as evidence of the party’s expanding influence.

APC’s Political Strength in Ebonyi

While addressing journalists, Emegha painted a picture of overwhelming political dominance by the APC in Ebonyi State. He stated that the party currently occupies virtually all major political offices across the state.

According to him, APC members presently hold:

All 171 ward councillor positions
13 local government chairmanship seats
24 seats in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly
Six members representing the state in the House of Representatives
Three senators in the National Assembly

This level of control, he argued, demonstrates the party’s deep roots within the state’s political structure.

Defection of Federal Lawmaker to APC

The party chairman also used the opportunity to announce what he described as a significant political development: the defection of Hon. Iduma Igariwey, formerly a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Igariwey, who represents Afikpo and Edda Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has reportedly completed his registration with the APC in his ward of origin.

To support the claim, Emegha displayed what he said was the party’s membership register containing the lawmaker’s name, insisting that the registration confirmed the defection.

Party Readiness for Local Government Elections

With the defection and its broad control of political offices, the APC leadership believes the party now stands in a strong position ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Emegha maintained that the party’s organizational strength, internal unity, and structured primary election plan would help maintain its political dominance in Ebonyi State.

Commentary and Political Analysis

The APC’s preparations for local government elections in Ebonyi illustrate the strategic importance of grassroots politics in Nigeria. Local government structures often serve as the foundation for broader electoral success, making the selection of candidates at that level particularly significant.

By enforcing strict rules on resignations and promoting membership verification, the party appears to be attempting to prevent internal conflicts that frequently arise during primaries. These measures could help maintain party cohesion ahead of future elections.

However, the claim of total political dominance may also present challenges. In states where one party holds overwhelming control, internal competition within the ruling party often becomes the primary political contest. As a result, the fairness and credibility of the APC primaries could play a crucial role in determining whether the party maintains unity going into the elections.

Ultimately, the January primaries will not only determine the APC’s candidates but may also reveal how effectively the party manages internal democracy within a politically dominant environment.