APC primaries in Abia and Rivers states delivered key victories for top political figures, as the party confirmed a largely peaceful and competitive selection process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The exercise produced unopposed wins for Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and former Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in Abia, while several big names also secured tickets in Rivers State amid tight screenings and internal party tensions.

Abia APC Clears Key Heavyweights

Abia State APC conducted its House of Representatives primaries without major disruption as senior party figures secured tickets across constituencies.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, won unopposed to represent Bende Federal Constituency for a third term. Former Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also secured the APC ticket for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.

She previously served from 2007 to 2023 before losing her seat to Labour Party’s Amobi Ogah.

Former Lawmakers Return to Contest

Furthermore, the primaries produced several political comebacks. Hon. Chris Nkwonta clinched the ticket for Ukwa East/Ukwa West.

Former lawmaker Uzo Azubuike also returned to the race for Aba North/Aba South under the APC, after previously serving under the Peoples Democratic Party.

In addition, Chinedum Orji emerged winner for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South, while Uzoma Ihuka secured Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South.

Party Commends Peaceful Conduct

However, the Abia APC screening and election committee chairman, Erasmus Cishak, said the process remained fair, transparent, and peaceful across all constituencies.

He said party members maintained discipline throughout the exercise. Consequently, he noted that credibility guided every stage of the primaries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described the process as calm and rancour-free. He said the party avoided automatic tickets and allowed genuine competition among aspirants.

Rivers APC Screens Out Key Figures

In Rivers State, the APC screening process reshaped the contest as several political actors failed to secure clearance for senatorial seats.

However, the party cleared Senator Felix Obuah, Allwell Onyesoh, and Chief Barry Mwara for different senatorial districts.

Meanwhile, Senator Banigo Ipalibo, Tammy Danagogo, Tein Jack-Rich, and Ojukaye Flag-Amachree failed to meet party requirements and did not qualify for the race.

Winners Emerge Across Federal Constituencies

Furthermore, the House of Representatives primaries in Rivers State produced multiple winners across constituencies.

Hon. Dumnamene Deekor won Gokana/Khana with 17,073 votes, while Martin Amaewhule secured Obio/Akpor. Precious Igwe emerged unopposed for Port Harcourt I, while Blessing Amadi won Port Harcourt II.

In addition, Hart Cyril Godwin, Felix Uche Nwaeke, Isobo Solomon, Linda Somiari-Steward, and others also secured party tickets across federal constituencies.

External Links

• APC Official Website
• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
• Punch Nigeria Politics

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held on Wednesday in Lagos, Onyejeocha announced the launch of the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect trained Nigerians with job opportunities and strengthen labour market systems.

“The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system,” she said.

“They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage.”

The Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and ensuring a smoother transition between training and work.

“Through LEEP, we are strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and improve labour market governance,” she stated.

Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which she said had provided youth with skills, jobs, and entrepreneurial opportunities over the past six years.

“Your partnerships have opened pathways to jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope for thousands of Nigerians,” she said, noting that the Foundation’s focus on collaboration and inclusion aligns with the Federal Government’s skills-to-jobs vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She emphasised the need for collaboration among government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society in achieving decent and sustainable work for all Nigerians.

“Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,” Onyejeocha said.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability.

“The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,” she added.