Ben Kalu Ally Emerges APC Chairman in Abia

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Chijioke Chukwu as state chairman and Chidi Avajah as secretary during its state congress on Tuesday in Umuahia.

Chukwu, a former minority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, is widely regarded as an ally of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Other officials elected include Emeka Okoroafor as state organising secretary, Uche Aguoru as publicity secretary, and Ezinne Udo Udoma as deputy treasurer.

The executives were chosen through a consensus arrangement described by party leaders as a “unity list.” Emmanuel Go’ar, chairman of the congress committee from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, supervised the exercise, calling the consensus process a “manifestation of peaceful resolutions.”

Speaking at the congress, Donatus Nwankpa, APC national welfare officer, emphasised that the party in Abia is not aligned with any individual or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He added that the APC remains united and ready to contest elections at all levels in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Chukwu pledged to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen the party’s presence. “I’ll work to reconcile all aggrieved members, pushing for a formidable APC in Abia,” he said, stressing that election victories are built through grassroots mobilisation, not social media campaigns.

The congress was attended by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other party chieftains, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was notably absent.