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Chief Tochukwu George Ibekie, who was widely regarded as the frontrunner in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) House of Representatives primary election for the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha (DNA) Federal Constituency, has withdrawn from the race.
Ibekie said his decision was informed by concerns that the process fell short of the standards expected in a credible democratic exercise.
It would be recalled that Daily Independent reported on Monday that tension was mounting in the federal constituency over plans to conduct a rerun in some wards in Njikoka Local Government Area, where Ibekie was reportedly leading his closest rival by over 6,000 votes.
The party leadership later ordered a rerun in 10 wards within the local government area.
In a withdrawal letter dated May 26 and addressed to party leaders, Ibekie stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, political associates, supporters, stakeholders, and members of the TGI Movement across Dunukofia, Njikoka, and Anaocha local government areas.
“Since the commencement of this process on the 23rd day of May, 2026, I participated with utmost commitment, sincerity, and faith in the ideals of fairness, transparency, and internal democracy. However, recent developments surrounding the conduct and handling of the exercise have unfortunately created deep concerns and raised serious questions about the credibility of the process,” he wrote.
“It is important to state that the results collated from the three local government areas clearly showed that I won the primary election if the true outcome of the exercise had been duly declared.”
Ibekie further noted that, as a loyal party member who had consistently contributed to the growth and stability of the party, leadership must always uphold fairness, trust, and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
“As someone who has remained steadfast in loyalty, sacrifice, and support towards the growth and stability of the party over the years, I believe leadership must always inspire trust, fairness, and equal opportunity for all. When a process begins to drift away from these principles, every sincere democrat must be courageous enough to take a stand guided by conscience, dignity, and in the interest of peace,” he added.
Despite his withdrawal, Ibekie expressed appreciation to constituents for their overwhelming support, solidarity, and encouragement throughout the exercise.
His family also thanked party members and supporters across the constituency for standing by him during the campaign.
This was contained in a separate statement signed by Engr. Benedict Chukwuma Ibekie, who said communities across the constituency, especially Nawgu, demonstrated strong solidarity, sacrifice, and mobilisation in support of Ibekie’s aspiration until his withdrawal from the race.
