Legal representatives for concerned members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency has formally petitioned the APC National Screening Committee to disqualify Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji from the upcoming primary elections.
The petition, filed at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on May 8, 2026, cites grave legal and reputational risks to the party’s corporate image and electoral prospects.
Grounds for the Petition:
Active Criminal Prosecution: The aspirant is currently a defendant in an active 16-count criminal trial (Charge No: FHC/UM/2025/01) initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges involve the alleged misappropriation of ₦60.85 billion in public funds, including security votes and Paris Club refunds.
Pending Asset Forfeiture: The aspirant is further linked to Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/03/V/2025, in which the Federal High Court ordered the interim forfeiture of over ₦228.4 million. EFCC affidavits in that matter explicitly name the aspirant as a conspirator in the diversion of state funds through a waste disposal entity.
Ongoing ICPC Scrutiny: Beyond the EFCC prosecution, the petition highlights active investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following petitions regarding his tenure as Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly.
Statement from Legal Counsel:
“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,” stated [Chinemelu Nwaizugbe, Esq.], Lead Counsel for the petitioners.
“We have urged the Screening Committee to exercise its administrative discretion to protect the party’s integrity. We further demand that the aspirant be compelled to produce his Bail Order and an ICPC clearance during his mandatory interview to prove he has not misled the party in his nomination forms
Timeline:
The APC is scheduled to conclude its screening of House of Representatives aspirants by May 12, 2026 with the official publication of screened candidates expected on May 13, 2026. The Petitioners have vowed to escalate the matter to the Screening Appeal Committee and if necessary the Federal High Court to ensure strict adherence to the Electoral Act, the Apc constitution and Party precedents.
Media Contact:
Barr Chinemelu Nwaizugbe
Andrews & Morgan ( Attorneys at Law)
andrewsandmorgan@gmail.com
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