The All Progressives Congress (APC) screened 24 aspirants for the 24 constituencies in Enugu State on Monday, with each seat having only one contender. The screening was conducted by the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee, led by Lucky Porki, who stated the exercise was carried out under the authority of the party's national leadership. According to Mr Porki, the submission period for Expression of Interest and Nomination forms ended with exactly one aspirant per constituency, making the process smoother for the committee.
Mr Porki said all aspirants would undergo rigorous verification of their credentials and records to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. He emphasized that due process would be followed in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, and APC guidelines. An Appeal Committee has been established to handle any disputes arising from the screening, chaired by Dillion Oyowa, with Umokoro Enomioghene Samuel as Secretary and Desmond Okpako Duke as member.
The committee did not disclose the names of the aspirants, but it is widely believed that all current members of the Enugu State House of Assembly are the candidates. Mr Porki praised Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Executive Committee for fostering unity and consensus within the party. He described the state's internal process as exemplary and recommended it for emulation by other APC chapters. The screening panel includes Mary Ejiro as Secretary, Godpower Asighwu, and Juliet Amaraeghu.
Martin Chukwunweike, Chairman of the APC in Enugu State, commended the national leadership and relevant panels for ensuring a fair and inclusive process. He acknowledged the role of Governor Mbah and other party structures in creating a level playing ground for all aspirants. The Appeal Committee will be activated after the screening to address any petitions from aggrieved members. The screening chairman thanked the APC National Working Committee for appointing the panel and expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Executive Committee for their support.
Lucky Porki claims a thorough screening process is underway, yet only one aspirant emerged per seat, suggesting the outcome was preordained. The lack of competitive primaries raises questions about internal democracy within the Enugu APC. Governor Peter Mbah's leadership is credited for the consensus, but the process sidelines potential challengers. If all current lawmakers run unopposed, voters may see little change in representation by 2027.
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