Top stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have closed ranks and resolved to work as a united front to secure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 and reclaim the governorship seat from the Labour Party-led administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The crucial meeting, hosted by Senate Chief Whip and former Abia Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, brought together key political figures, including the APC National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and former Finance Commissioner, Obinna Oriaku, among others.
Senator Kalu expressed satisfaction with the renewed unity in the party, stating that it aligns with President Tinubu’s directive for reconciliation and strengthening of party structures across states.
“We are more united than ever. The President directed us during the last NEC meeting to reconcile our members and rebuild the party at the grassroots. Abia must align with the centre for the benefit of its people,” Kalu said.
He emphasized that the North Senatorial District has already benefited from federal interventions and that similar development would spread across the state under a united APC.
Kalu also revealed that President Tinubu was concerned about APC’s performance in Abia during the 2023 elections and had entrusted him with the task of rebuilding party unity. “We’re calling on all leaders to join the peace initiative because no one will be left behind,” he assured.
In his remarks, APC National Welfare Secretary, Donatus Nwankpa, highlighted the importance of the meeting in repositioning the party ahead of 2027. He noted that APC in Abia has seen significant defections from other parties, particularly the PDP, over the past two years.
“We’ve come today to appeal to our leaders—Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Minister Onyejeocha, and others—to bury individual differences for the sake of the party. Our mission is to capture the Abia Government House in 2027,” Nwankpa declared.
He warned against anti-party activities and stressed that any member working with the current LP-led government would face sanctions, including suspension. “We’re not saying Governor Otti should leave now, but by 2027, the governor of Abia must be from the APC,” he said.
Nwankpa also reaffirmed Abia APC’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, pledging overwhelming support. “We’re not begging for 25%. In 2027, APC will come first in Abia,” he added.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous call for unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leaders vowing to reposition APC as the dominant political force in the state.
Comments