2027 Reps Race: APC Aspirant Martina Ononiwu Denies Withdrawal Rumours, Insists “I’m Still Fully In The Contest”

A frontline House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Martina Amarachi Otu Ononiwu, popularly known as Akajiaku, has firmly dismissed speculations suggesting that she has stepped down from the race for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat ahead of the party’s internal processes.

Speaking during an interview on Family Love FM monitored by Dailytrail News, Dr. Martina clarified that her decision to respect party stakeholders and participate in ongoing consultations should not be misconstrued as withdrawing her ambition.

According to her, she was approached by stakeholders from Umuahia North who informed her that discussions were ongoing to arrive at a consensus arrangement that would favour an Ohuhu candidate in order to complete what they described as the eight-year political understanding allotted to the area.

However, the APC aspirant made it clear that at no point did she agree to step down for any individual in the race.

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She stressed that there is a significant difference between showing loyalty and respect to party elders and officially exiting an electoral contest, maintaining that any genuine consensus or stepdown arrangement must be transparent, inclusive, and properly negotiated among all aspirants involved.

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Dr. Martina argued that while zoning and consensus may be legitimate political strategies aimed at promoting balance and continuity within the party, such arrangements must also accommodate the interests, sacrifices, and aspirations of every contestant to avoid internal grievances and misunderstandings.

The federal lawmaker hopeful further explained that a proper stepdown process must be formally communicated and strategically handled in a way that strengthens party unity rather than creating confusion within the ranks of the party.

Reaffirming her confidence ahead of the contest, Dr. Martina declared that she remains fully committed to her ambition and believes she possesses the competence, grassroots connection, and leadership qualities needed to represent the constituency effectively at the National Assembly.