2027: Abia APC Remains Formidable, Says Deputy Speaker Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State remains a formidable force as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Kalu made the assertion during a meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders from Abia State held in Abuja over the weekend, aimed at repositioning the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.

The meeting followed the suspension of the ward and local government congresses earlier scheduled for last Wednesday in the state due to reported discrepancies.

Among those in attendance were the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha; Hon. Chris Nkwonta; former senators Chris Adighije, Bob Nwanunu, Emma Nwaka and Nkechi Nwogu; former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Henry Ikoh; the party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Abia, Nyerere Anyim; Chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Emeka Wogu; former Speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly; former and serving members of the State and National Assemblies, as well as other stakeholders.

Kalu disclosed that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, whose brothers, Nnanna and Mascot, were physically present at the meeting, also called in to reaffirm his support for the caucus and the party’s unity efforts.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Speaker said recent engagements among party leaders had yielded tangible results and strengthened collective resolve to reposition the APC in Abia.

“Over the past few days, leaders and stakeholders of our great party in Abia State have engaged in strategic deliberations, examining our structures and charting a clear, coordinated path forward. These discussions have yielded tangible results and strengthened our collective resolve to reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success,” he said.

He dismissed insinuations of factionalisation in the state chapter, stating that party leaders had sought the intervention of the National Chairman to resolve emerging issues.

“There is no faction in Abia State. We are following his template. Everybody is happy. Everybody is going to be accommodated and we trust his judgement,” Kalu added.

He expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru; National Vice Chairman (South East), Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu; and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for their efforts in strengthening party unity.

Kalu emphasised that the party’s focus remained on eliminating internal divisions and building a united front anchored on discipline, inclusion and purpose.

“The focus now is growth and sustained progress for our party and for the people we are privileged to serve. The task ahead requires unity, and together, we will deliver,” he stated.

Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Yilwatda, confirmed that issues affecting the state chapter had been resolved, adding that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was in agreement with the outcome of the meeting.

He announced that the rescheduled ward and local government congresses in Abia would now hold on Wednesday and Thursday, expressing confidence that they would be rancour-free.

“We met with all the caucus members of Abia State after a little friction that took place when we were to have the congress last week. To the glory of God, the critical stakeholders have come together and unanimously agreed on far-reaching decisions. With this, we are going to have rancour-free elections,” he said.

Corroborating the positions of the Deputy Speaker and the National Chairman, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Onyejeocha, said all discrepancies had been amicably resolved.

“Thank God we have resolved all issues. APC is one and will continue to be, and we will return the President in full swing,” she said.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu thanked stakeholders and leaders of the Abia APC for their contributions to the strategic meeting, reiterating the party’s resolve to deliver growth and progress for the people of the state.

The meeting, chaired by the National Chairman, also had in attendance members of the NWC, including the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, and the National Welfare Secretary, Chief Donatus Nwankpa.