By Steve Oko

A former member of the House of Representatives and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief C. Esiaga, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the conduct of the party’s recent primary elections in Abia State, calling for a review of the exercise.

Esiaga’s appeal comes amid ongoing concerns raised by some party members regarding the outcome of the APC primaries in the state.

In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, the former lawmaker expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the primaries in parts of the state and urged the party leadership to examine complaints lodged by aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders.

“It is with the greatest sense of respect to your person and your positions that I write to bring to your knowledge concerns regarding the recently conducted primaries in Abia State,” Esiaga stated in the letter.

The former lawmaker, who served in the House of Representatives in 1992 under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), said a review of the exercise would be in the interest of party unity and electoral success.

He also referenced petitions submitted by some aspirants challenging the outcome of the primaries and called for their consideration by the appropriate party organs.

According to Esiaga, addressing grievances arising from the exercise would help strengthen confidence in the party’s internal processes ahead of future elections.

He urged the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, to engage stakeholders in Abia State and work towards resolving outstanding disputes.

The elder statesman further appealed to President Tinubu to encourage dialogue among party leaders, aspirants and stakeholders in the state to foster unity and reconciliation.

Esiaga said his intervention was motivated by his commitment to the growth of the APC and its electoral prospects in future elections.

Meanwhile, some party members in Abia State have continued to call for a review of aspects of the primary process, arguing that resolving disputes arising from the exercise would help strengthen the party ahead of future electoral contests.

Among those who have challenged the outcome of the primaries is former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, who submitted a petition to the party’s appeal panel.

Ikoh, in his petition, questioned the outcome of the governorship primary and asked the party to review the process.