Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Dr. Nyerere Anyim, has declared that the party is now firmly positioned to win the state in the 2027 general elections, despite its poor outing in 2023.
Anyim said the APC has emerged stronger, more united and strategically better prepared for the next election cycle, describing the party as a “government in waiting” in Abia.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard at his country home in Agburuike Isiugwu, Obingwa Local Government Area, Anyim attributed the party’s 2023 defeat to extraordinary political circumstances, particularly the surge of support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, across the South East.
“The Obi wave of 2023 played a significant role in the poor performance of other parties in the South East, except the Labour Party,” he said. “You also cannot ignore the exit of key figures like Alex Otti, who left APC at the peak of the election period and went with his supporters.”
He expressed confidence that such setbacks would not repeat themselves, noting that APC has since regained political momentum in the state.
“Today, APC is the beautiful bride in Abia. Over 85 per cent of the political heavyweights who determine the direction of politics in the state are now in APC. The party is well-positioned and ready to take over government in 2027,” he stated.
Anyim also dismissed claims that the APC in Abia is divided into factions, insisting that the party remains united under its recognized leadership.
“Abia APC is not balkanized. We have one chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, and one secretary, Chief Chidi Avoaja. That alone shows there is only one APC in Abia. What people describe as crisis are simply internal disagreements that come with democracy and strengthen the party in the long run,” he said.
He further maintained that the ruling party in Abia is already feeling threatened by the growing strength of the APC.
“They are jittery because they know the majority of Abia people are now with APC. Even though incumbency carries weight, we have also seen incumbents lose elections. Our chances are brighter and more colourful than ever,” Anyim added.
With an influx of influential political figures and renewed internal cohesion, the former APC chieftain said the party is no longer afraid to face any opponent at the polls in 2027.
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