Fresh concerns are emerging within the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations that key party offices are being concentrated in Bende Local Government Area, a development some stakeholders fear could trigger internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The concerns were raised in an opinion article by Chinenye Onyekachi, who argued that concentrating strategic leadership positions in a single local government, if true, could undermine the party’s efforts to expand its support base across the state.
According to the writer, political parties are strengthened by inclusiveness, fairness and equitable representation, noting that all 17 local government areas contribute members, resources and electoral support to the growth of the APC.
The article warned that allocating most leadership positions to one LGA could alienate party faithful in other parts of the state, weaken grassroots mobilisation and create resentment among stakeholders who expect equal opportunities within the party.
It stressed that the issue extends beyond political appointments, describing it as a matter of justice and internal democracy. The writer maintained that a party seeking to inspire commitment from its members must also ensure that leadership opportunities are fairly distributed across the state’s senatorial zones and local government areas.
Onyekachi further argued that Abia boasts competent leaders across its three senatorial districts and that marginalising any section could weaken party structures, encourage defections and reduce voter enthusiasm ahead of future elections.
While acknowledging Bende as one of the APC’s traditional strongholds in Abia, the article noted that balancing representation has become increasingly important as the party seeks to consolidate its recent gains and position itself for electoral success.
The opinion piece urged the party leadership to prioritise competence, merit and equitable representation in making appointments, insisting that a broad-based leadership structure would foster unity, strengthen internal cohesion and improve the APC’s electoral prospects.
It concluded that political success depends on building broad coalitions rather than satisfying a single bloc, warning that if strategic party offices are concentrated in one local government area, the APC in Abia could risk weakening the internal unity needed to effectively challenge for power in 2027.
