A significant gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Abia State, spearheaded by former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, convened in Abuja to strategize for the upcoming political landscape. The primary objectives outlined were twofold: to solidify support for President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election bid and to reclaim the governorship of Abia State from the incumbent Labour Party administration led by Governor Alex Otti. The meeting signaled a concerted effort to unify the party’s ranks in Abia and leverage the influence of federal presence to bolster their political standing.
The meeting, hosted at Senator Kalu’s residence, brought together prominent APC figures, including National Welfare Secretary Donatus Nwankpa, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and former Commissioner for Finance Obinna Oriaku, amongst others. This assembly underscored a commitment to bridge internal divides and present a united front for the party’s future endeavors. The emphasis on unity echoed a directive from President Tinubu during a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, urging party members to reconcile and strengthen the party’s foundation at the state level.
Senator Kalu, addressing the media following the closed-door meeting, declared that Abia APC was now a “united indivisible family,” ready to work collectively towards their shared goals. He highlighted the potential benefits of aligning with the ruling party at the federal level, citing the developmental progress witnessed in his Abia North Senatorial District as a testament to the advantages of federal support. This, he argued, should serve as an incentive for other senatorial districts to join the APC fold and benefit from similar advancements.
Kalu recounted a recent meeting with President Tinubu where he expressed concerns about the political situation in Abia. He assured the President of his commitment to mediate and bring together all aggrieved stakeholders within the Abia APC. This pledge underscores the seriousness with which the party is approaching the reconciliation process, recognizing the importance of internal harmony in achieving their political aspirations. Kalu emphasized that the party’s strength lies in its unity, enabling it to speak with a powerful voice during elections. He further invoked his own past performance as governor and senator as evidence of his credibility and commitment to the people of Abia.
The meeting also resulted in a formal endorsement of President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027. Kalu positioned this endorsement within the broader context of the South East’s support for Tinubu, suggesting a regional consensus on his continued leadership. He expressed confidence in the President’s re-election prospects, drawing parallels to the “Class of 1999 governors,” a group he characterized as resilient and effective. This framing served to underscore the President’s political strength and the party’s determination to secure his second term.
Donatus Nwankpa, the APC National Welfare Secretary, reinforced the meeting’s purpose as a platform to consolidate recent gains and solidify the party’s position in Abia. He highlighted the significant influx of members from other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a sign of growing confidence in the APC within the state. This influx was presented as a clear indicator of the party’s growing appeal and momentum in Abia. Nwankpa further reiterated the party’s unwavering commitment to winning the governorship in 2027, issuing a stern warning to any party members who might be inclined to support the incumbent governor. Any such support, he declared, would be met with disciplinary measures, including suspension or expulsion. This firm stance underscores the party’s determination to present a unified front and maintain party discipline in pursuit of its political objectives.
