The party, in a statement by its National Secretary, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, said it was the right of the party to substitute its candidate for any election in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
The party said that its candidate in the initial election, Dr. Chris Ngige, has duly withdrawn his candidacy in the rerun having become a Minister.
He drew attention to Sections 33 and 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 which, according to him, allow the party to substitute its candidate.
Buni said: "Dr. Chris Ngige who contested the election in March 2015 on the platform of the APC is now a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has withdrawn from the fresh election ordered by the Court of Appeal.
"To avoid a vacuum, the party after due process presented the candidature of Barrister (Mrs.) Sharon Ikeazor as replacement for the original candidate who withdrew from the race.
"By law, a political party has the right to nominate and sponsor candidates in all elections in Nigeria.
"It is immaterial whether it is a general election, bye–election, new election, fresh election or election of any nomenclature.
"The right of a political party to substitute a candidate who dies or withdraws his/her candidacy is contained in Sections 33 and 35 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).
"The All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a law-abiding body will be guided by the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and continues its efforts to deliver peaceful, free, fair and credible elections."
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