APC crisis deepens as group challenges Opah’s membership, backs Ikoh’s guber candidate claim

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Abia  Chapter, made the claim in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The group rejected recent assertions by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, that Opah has been a bona fide member since 2023.

According to the group, certified copies of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and APC membership registers from Umunna Nsulu Ward 2 do not list Opah as a registered member.

The group further alleged that Opah was planted by political opponents to destabilise the party.

“Our strong argument is that Mr Eric Opah is a mole and a placeholder planted by opponents to undermine the prevailing peace, unity and cohesion among members of our party,” the statement read.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors insisted that Opah’s emergence would not stand.

The group declared that former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh, remains the authentic winner of the primary election.

The group said Ikoh enjoys the backing of party stakeholders and members who participated in the statewide exercise.

It stated he is already taking steps to challenge the outcome through appropriate channels.

 It expressed confidence that Ikoh would eventually reclaim what it described as his “stolen mandate.”

The group also appealed to supporters of the former minister and APC members across the state to remain calm and focused while efforts to resolve the dispute continue.

The development highlights deepening divisions within Abia APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with competing camps laying claim to legitimacy after the party’s primary.

Aguoru had during a press conference on Monday, insisted that Opah is a bonafide member of the APC and its validly elected governorship candidate.