Concerned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency have petitioned the party’s National Screening Committee, seeking the disqualification of former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, from participating in the forthcoming House of Representatives primary election.

The petition, submitted at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on May 8, 2026, was filed through legal representatives acting on behalf of aggrieved party members.

According to the petitioners, Orji’s alleged involvement in ongoing corruption-related cases poses serious legal and reputational risks to the party and could affect its electoral chances in the constituency.

The petition referenced an alleged 16-count criminal charge instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal High Court. The case, marked FHC/UM/2025/01, reportedly involves the alleged misappropriation of about N60.85 billion in public funds, including security votes and Paris Club refunds.

The petitioners also cited another matter before the Federal High Court, Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025, in which the court reportedly ordered the interim forfeiture of more than N228.4 million.

According to the petition, affidavits filed by the EFCC allegedly linked the former speaker to the diversion of state funds through a waste disposal company.

The APC members further alleged that Orji is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over petitions connected to his tenure as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, lead counsel, Barrister Chinemelu Nwaizugbe, said allowing Orji to contest on the APC platform could expose the party to future legal complications.

“Our clients believe that fielding a candidate currently under a multi-billion naira indictment for financial crimes poses a future legal disability for the APC. Should the aspirant be convicted during the campaign or after the election, the party risks the total forfeiture of its mandate in Ikwuano/Umuahia,” he stated.

Nwaizugbe added that the petitioners had asked the screening committee to compel the aspirant to present his bail documents and an ICPC clearance certificate during the screening process to establish that he did not provide false information in his nomination documents.

He noted that the group was seeking administrative action from the committee to protect the integrity of the party.

The APC is expected to conclude the screening of House of Representatives aspirants by May 12, while the final list of cleared candidates is scheduled for publication on May 13, 2026.

The petitioners further stated that they would escalate the matter to the party’s Screening Appeal Committee and, if necessary, approach the Federal High Court to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act, the APC constitution and party guidelines.