President Bola Tinubu's consensus-building style should guide All Progressives Congress governors and party leaders in selecting candidates for the 2027 general elections, according to Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the sponsor of Nigeria's landmark Climate Change Act. Onuigbo made the call in Abuja after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the APC ticket for the Abia Central Senatorial District.
Onuigbo Advocates for Internal Democracy
Speaking to journalists, Onuigbo stressed that the consensus and direct primary provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act would deepen internal democracy and reinforce party supremacy if properly implemented. He commended President Tinubu and the 10th National Assembly for these provisions. "The direct primary system enables eligible party members to choose candidates who will represent the party in the general election," Onuigbo said. "On the other hand, the consensus option gives party leadership the opportunity to build agreement around credible candidates who understand and believe in the party's manifesto, thereby promoting discipline within the party."
Advice to Governors
Responding to concerns that some governors might use the consensus option to impose loyalists and edge out other aspirants, Onuigbo advised them to learn from President Tinubu's political management style by ensuring that majority opinion prevails in the interest of party unity. He emphasized that consensus should not be a tool for exclusion but a means of producing competent candidates with broad support. Onuigbo also called on the APC leadership to ensure that only committed members who genuinely believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda are allowed to fly the party's flag during the elections. He warned against fielding candidates with divided loyalties, insisting that the APC needs focused and dedicated representatives to consolidate on the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration.
Onuigbo's Campaign and Vision
The former lawmaker said he has continued consultations with APC stakeholders and supporters across the six local government areas of Abia Central Senatorial District to strengthen support for his ambition. He expressed satisfaction with ongoing infrastructure development in the South-East, particularly in Abia State, adding that President Tinubu's performance over the past three years had positioned the APC strongly ahead of the next general elections. Expressing confidence in the President's re-election prospects, Onuigbo said Tinubu would require a loyal and knowledgeable National Assembly to sustain ongoing reforms and legislative initiatives.
"I have just submitted my nomination and expression of interest forms to represent Abia Central Senatorial District," he stated. "After serving two terms in the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, I am ready for the screening exercise, which is the final stage before the APC primary election. And by the grace of God, when I emerge as the party's candidate, I am confident of victory based on my track record of legislative excellence and strong relationship with the people."
Onuigbo noted that he remains the only lawmaker to have secured re-election in the federal constituency, attributing the achievement to his performance and strong grassroots connection. While assuring constituents of sustained quality representation, he reaffirmed his commitment to his EAR leadership philosophy — Effectiveness, Accessibility and Responsiveness. "My representation will continue to remain people-focused, with continuous improvement in service delivery," he added.
