2027: APC Leaders Unite in Abia, Pledge Victory, Party Discipline Ahead of Primaries

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, declaring that the party remains united and capable of winning across all levels of elective offices in the state.

The enlarged stakeholders meeting, held today in Umuahia, brought together top party leaders, governorship and legislative aspirants, elected officials, and party executives, with a strong emphasis on unity, internal democracy, sportsmanship, and adherence to party discipline.

Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and APC leader in Abia State, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, LLD, CFR, commended stakeholders for their commitment and reaffirmed the party’s resolve to build a strong political structure ahead of 2027.

He stressed that the APC would continue to deepen its grassroots strength and electoral value, particularly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the party would not grant automatic tickets to any aspirant, insisting that nominations would be determined either through consensus or direct primaries where consensus fails.

“Test your popularity at the primaries and accept defeat if you lose. I waited for 17 years before I emerged. If it is not your turn, wait for the next season,” he said, urging aspirants to embrace sportsmanship and party discipline.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Abia State, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, described the gathering as a clear sign of growing unity within the party, noting that key political actors across the state are now working together under one platform.

“Today, nobody would have believed that all leaders of APC in Abia State would gather under one roof to move the state forward. We are united for Abia 2027,” he stated.

Hon. Chukwu commended the State Working Committee for the successful conduct of nomination form sales and screening processes, and disclosed that the party’s secretariat now operates from its permanent office, while appealing for support to complete its furnishing.

He assured that the APC in Abia remains committed to strengthening its structures for electoral victory in 2027.

Also speaking, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, called for unity and cohesion within the party, urging members to avoid divisive tendencies and work collectively for victory.

He said the meeting aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen internal unity within the APC nationwide, stressing that cohesion remained critical to electoral success.

Senator Kalu cautioned against misinformation and rumours allegedly aimed at creating disaffection among party leaders, and advised that the party must ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the conduct of its primaries.

“Party leaders must adopt transparent and inclusive measures in conducting the exercise to avoid post-primary crises arising from competing interests,” he said.

He added that unity, fairness, and mutual respect were essential ingredients for building a stronger APC capable of winning elections in Abia State.

The State Organising Secretary, Barr. Emeka Okoroafor, disclosed that 63 out of 64 House of Assembly aspirants were successfully screened, while one was disqualified for not being a registered member of the party.

He further revealed that the party has three governorship aspirants, nine senatorial aspirants, and 24 House of Representatives aspirants contesting for eight seats, adding that the APC would adopt direct primaries where only financially up-to-date members would participate.

“We are committed to free, fair, and credible elections,” he assured.

Governorship aspirants including Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu, Chief Eric Opah, and Chief Henry Ikoh, in separate remarks, pledged to reposition Abia State through transparency, accountability, economic revival, infrastructural renewal, and the rebranding of Aba into a commercial hub of national pride.

On his part, the lawmaker representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly and frontline aspirant for the Abia South Senatorial District seat, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, assured constituents of effective and people-oriented representation if elected into the Senate in 2027.

He said leadership must be anchored on performance, accountability, and measurable impact, rather than empty political promises.

“My people have deemed it fit that I should represent them at the 11th Senate of the National Assembly. What I will do differently is to consolidate on the developmental strides and empowerment initiatives I have already demonstrated over the years,” he said.

Erondu Jnr, a former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area and Chairman, House Committee on Public Service Matters, Abia State House of Assembly, maintained that political officeholders must be accountable for their stewardship before seeking higher office.

“My pattern of politics is simple: talk about what you have done in the past, what you are doing presently, before talking about what you intend to do in the future,” he added.

He expressed confidence that the 2027 Abia South senatorial contest would be a defining political battle, likening it to the Biblical story of David and Goliath, while insisting that victory was assured with God and the people on his side.

Also speaking, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and progress, urging aspirants and members to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship before, during, and after the primaries.

The highpoint of the meeting was the administration of oath of commitment on aspirants and stakeholders, who collectively pledged to abide by the party’s rules and regulations ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections.