Abia North 2027: Sam Anya-Akaekpuchionwa Storms APC Headquarters, Declares Senate Ambition as Party Promises Free, Fair Ticket
Fresh realignments are beginning to reshape Abia’s 2027 political battlefield as Chief Dr. Sam Anya-Akaekpuchionwa, a prominent political figure from Ohafia, on Friday, January 9, 2026, paid a high-profile courtesy visit to the Abia State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umuahia, where he was formally received and introduced as a member of the ruling party.
The visit, which attracted key members of the party’s leadership structure, is widely seen as the first major political signal of Anya-Akaekpuchionwa’s intention to contest the Abia North senatorial seat in 2027 under the APC platform.
Receiving him, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Chief Kingsley Ononogbu, made it clear that the party is determined to run an open, democratic, and competitive primary process, regardless of the presence of any incumbent or serving office holder.
Ononogbu acknowledged that the APC currently has a sitting senator representing Abia North but insisted that the party would not shut the door against fresh aspirants.
“We have a senator in the party who is doing well,” the APC chairman said, “but this party will provide a level playing ground for everybody. If your desire is to be senator for Abia North, you are welcome. But go back to Abia North and convince the people why you should be their senator.”
He further stressed that the APC would not impose candidates on the people, adding that the party’s ticket would be decided through a free and fair process.
“The party will not blanket anyone because somebody is already there. The contest will be free and fair,” Ononogbu declared, drawing applause from party leaders present.
In his response, Chief Dr. Sam Anya-Akaekpuchionwa explained that after formally joining the APC in his local government area in Ohafia, he considered it necessary to personally visit the state leadership to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the party’s structure.
“I joined the APC in my local government, but I said I must come to the state to see the State Working Committee,” he told party leaders. “I assure this party of my total support, and I am ready to do anything that will help the APC gain more ground in Abia State.”
Speaking to journalists after his interaction with the SWC, Anya-Akaekpuchionwa gave detailed reasons for his defection to the APC, citing the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda as the driving force behind his political move.
“I decided to join the APC because of the performance of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the good work he is doing in Nigeria,” he said. “I have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He specifically pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as a turning point for state finances, using Abia as an example.
“Look at Abia State today. We are enjoying more funds from the Federal Government because of the removal of subsidy. If the president did not remove subsidy, we would not be having this kind of money coming to the states,” he stated.
Invoking a popular Igbo proverb, Anya-Akaekpuchionwa said appreciation must follow good leadership.
“Igbo say when someone does something good, it is good to appreciate them. That is why I decided to join the APC,” he said, adding that he was defecting to the party with over 5,000 supporters.
On his political ambition, Anya-Akaekpuchionwa was unambiguous. He openly declared his interest in contesting the Abia North senatorial seat in 2027, arguing that Ohafia has been politically sidelined for too long.
“I have my eyes on the Abia North senatorial seat. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has done well, but it is now the turn of Ohafia,” he said.
“In the history of Abia State, Ohafia has never tasted the Senate. That is the truth. We are not pushing an Ohafia agenda; we are stating a fact. That seat needs to come to Ohafia now.”
He concluded by assuring the people of Abia North that he has the capacity to deliver if given the mandate.
“I have what it takes to deliver for Abia North. It is God that gives power, and I am prepared to contest,” he added.
With his entry into the APC and his bold declaration, Chief Dr. Sam Anya-Akaekpuchionwa has effectively added a new layer of intrigue to the Abia North 2027 senatorial race, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fierce and closely watched contest.
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