An All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Ahiazu-Mbaise Constituency seat in the Imo State House of Assembly, Ezechukwu Obinna, has publicly protested what he described as his exclusion from the party’s primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in a widely circulated video, Obinna alleged that he and five other contenders who purchased nomination and expression of interest forms were sidelined despite earlier assurances that an open primary would be conducted.

According to him, each aspirant spent over N10 million on the process, with his personal expenditure reportedly exceeding N100 million when campaign and related political activities were included.

Obinna claimed that while aspirants were still preparing for the supposed primary election, the party leadership unexpectedly announced another candidate without any voting or consultation with stakeholders.

He further alleged that the selected candidate was a woman who had previously contested and lost in the House of Representatives primary, describing the development as unfair and a breach of internal democratic procedures.

He rejected claims that a consensus arrangement had been reached among aspirants, insisting that no formal meeting was held with the state governor or party leadership to agree on a candidate.

The aggrieved aspirant described the situation as a “rape of democracy” and called on the APC leadership in Imo State and the state governor, who also serves as party leader, to ensure transparency and allow all aspirants to test their popularity through a proper contest.He stated that he would have accepted the outcome if it came through a fair and credible process involving all six aspirants.

The controversy adds to growing complaints within the APC over alleged imposition of candidates, lack of transparency in delegate selection, and irregularities in the conduct of primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.