NEWS
Abia APC Members Petition Party Leadership, Seek Disqualification of Ex-Speaker Chinedum Orji Over Alleged Corruption Cases
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as some concerned party members have formally petitioned the party’s National Screening Committee, demanding the disqualification of former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, from participating in the forthcoming House of Representatives primary election.
The petition, which was submitted at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on May 8, 2026, accused the former lawmaker of carrying legal and reputational burdens capable of affecting the image of the party ahead of the elections.
The aggrieved APC members alleged that Orji, who is the son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, is currently entangled in multiple investigations and court cases bordering on alleged financial misconduct and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the petitioners, the former Speaker is facing an alleged 16-count criminal charge instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations involving the diversion and misappropriation of public funds estimated between ₦47 billion and ₦60.85 billion. The allegations reportedly involve security votes, Paris Club refund allocations, and loan facilities meant for developmental projects in Abia State.
The petition further referenced another legal matter involving the interim forfeiture of over ₦228 million allegedly linked to diverted state resources. The concerned APC members also claimed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is investigating separate petitions connected to Orji’s tenure as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, legal practitioner Chinemelu Nwaizugbe warned that allowing Orji to contest under the APC platform could expose the party to avoidable legal complications and public backlash, especially if the ongoing cases advance during the election period.
The development has heightened tension within the Abia APC, with party stakeholders closely monitoring the screening process expected to determine the fate of House of Representatives aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.
Meanwhile, the petitioners have vowed to explore further legal options should the former Speaker be cleared by the screening committee to participate in the primary election.