Concerned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency have petitioned the party’s National Screening Committee to disqualify former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, from participating in the party’s 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 the aggrieved party members.
According to the petitioners, Orji’s alleged involvement in ongoing corruption-related cases poses “grave legal and reputational risks” to the party and could undermine its electoral fortunes in the constituency.
The petition cited what it described as an active 16-count criminal prosecution instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former Speaker before the Federal High Court.
The case, marked FHC/UM/2025/01, allegedly involves the misappropriation of about N60.85 billion in public funds, including security votes and Paris Club refunds.
The petitioners further referenced 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 in the matter allegedly linked Orji to the diversion of state funds through a waste disposal company.
The concerned APC members also alleged that the former Speaker is currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over petitions related to his tenure as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, lead counsel, Barrister Chinemelu Nwaizugbe, argued that allowing Orji to contest under 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 said the petitioners had urged 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 added that the group was seeking administrative action from the committee to safeguard 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 said 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 established party guidelines.