Green Chamber is not for boys, Enone deserves quality representation — Okoriko Abah

A House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Okoriko Abah, has defended his decision to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary election in court, insisting that the people of Enone deserve quality representation in the National Assembly.

Abah, who spoke during an interview with IDOMA TELEVISION and monitored by IDOMA VOICE, said he resorted to legal action after exhausting the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms over what he described as irregularities in the primary election process.

According to him, he participated fully in all stages leading to the primary, including consultations, mobilisation, screening and other activities required by the party, with the expectation that a free, fair and credible exercise would be conducted.

However, he alleged that the process failed to meet those expectations, prompting him to seek redress through the courts.

“I have gone to court because I believe in due process. The court remains the last hope of the common man. My action is not driven by personal ambition alone but by the need to ensure fairness, transparency and justice,” he said.

Abah maintained that his legal challenge was aimed at protecting the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that party members were given an opportunity to freely choose their candidate.

The APC chieftain also stressed the need for competent representation in the House of Representatives, arguing that the people of Enone deserve leaders capable of articulating their concerns and attracting meaningful development to the constituency.

“The Green Chamber is not for boys. It is for men and women who understand governance, legislation and the responsibility of representation. Our people deserve quality representation and leaders who can effectively defend their interests,” he stated.

Abah said his aspiration was motivated by a desire to provide effective leadership and deliver tangible benefits to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo local government areas.

While acknowledging the grievances among some party members following the primary, he urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, insisting that violence was not an option.

He also dismissed speculation that he was considering leaving the APC, saying his focus remained on pursuing justice through legitimate channels.

“The fact that there are challenges does not mean we should abandon the party. We must work to correct what is wrong through the appropriate mechanisms,” he added.

Abah warned that unresolved grievances arising from the primary could affect the fortunes of the party in the 2027 general election if not properly addressed.

He therefore called on the APC leadership to prioritise internal democracy, reconciliation and fairness in handling disputes, noting that the wishes of party members should always take precedence.

“There is a difference between what the leadership wants and what the people want. The will of the people must prevail if the party hopes to remain strong and united,” he said.

The APC aspirant expressed confidence that the judiciary would fairly determine the issues before it and reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and the development of Enone Federal Constituency.