Emeka Atuma Defeats Nkechi Nwogu, Sam Onuigbo to Win APC Abia Central Senate Ticket

Former House of Representatives member, Emeka Atuma, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District after defeating former Senator Nkechi Nwogu and ex-lawmaker Sam Onuigbo in the party’s primary election.

The keenly contested APC senatorial primary, held across the six local government areas that make up Abia Central, ended with Atuma securing a commanding lead over his rivals.

Results announced by the collation officer, Thomas Nkoro, showed that Atuma polled 36,935 votes to clinch the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Senator Nkechi Nwogu, who previously represented Abia Central in the National Assembly and also served in the House of Representatives, came second with 11,451 votes.

Sam Onuigbo, a former two-term member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, finished third after scoring 5,833 votes.

The primary election drew significant attention within the Abia APC due to the political weight of the three aspirants, all of whom have previously held major elective positions in the state.

Atuma’s victory is expected to reshape the political calculations ahead of the 2027 Senate race in Abia Central, especially as the APC intensifies efforts to strengthen its influence in the South-East.

Meanwhile, the Abia State chapter of the APC has announced the commencement of the National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee sitting for aspirants dissatisfied with the conduct or outcome of the House of Representatives primaries across the state.

The party urged aggrieved aspirants to formally submit their petitions and complaints to the committee for review.

According to the APC, the appeal committee is chaired by Chris Dajan, while Martha Moses, Obioma Madukwe and Uzoma Ogu will serve as members.