The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned statements attributed to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta in support of Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The State Working Committee (SWC) of the party, at a meeting held on Monday, August 10, 2026, described the alleged statements and actions of the two prominent APC members as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical” to the unity and electoral prospects of the party in the state.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, the SWC expressed concern that the alleged comments came at a time when the APC was mobilising members and supporters across the 184 wards of Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party claimed that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during an interview with a national television station, was reported to have said that Governor Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.
Similarly, the SWC accused Hon. Chris Nkwonta of publicly declaring, in the presence of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that he would vote for Governor Otti in the forthcoming election.
The Abia APC described the alleged declarations as “acts of internal sabotage and anti-party conduct,” arguing that they could weaken the party’s electoral machinery and demoralise its members and supporters.
The SWC further maintained that no member, irrespective of political status, influence or past contributions, was above the APC Constitution.
It specifically cited Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, 2022, which it said provides for disciplinary action against members whose conduct is considered inimical to the party or amounts to indiscipline and disloyalty.
As part of its resolutions, the State Working Committee called on both Senator Kalu and Hon. Nkwonta to tender an unreserved public apology to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia State.
The party said the apology must demonstrate their commitment to the APC, its constitution, leadership and collective decision to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections, particularly its governorship candidate.
The SWC gave the two politicians 14 days from the date of the communiqué to comply with the demand.
It warned that failure to apologise within the stipulated period would compel the party to constitute a disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding their respective statements and actions and make appropriate recommendations to the relevant organs of the party.
The party further resolved that, if found liable, appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken in accordance with the APC Constitution and other applicable regulations, irrespective of the status of the individuals involved.
The SWC also resolved to withdraw political support and privileges from either of the two members if their conduct was established to be inimical to the interests of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reaffirming its position, the Abia APC SWC declared that the party was “bigger than any individual,” regardless of political stature.
The committee said leadership comes with responsibility and that party leaders were expected to uphold the values of the APC, defend its interests and respect decisions reached by its organs.
“The Party will not permit personal interests, political calculations or individual ambitions to undermine the collective aspirations of our members and supporters across Abia State,” the communiqué stated.
The party urged its members to remain calm, focused and united as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to using “all legitimate political and organisational mechanisms” to protect the party’s integrity, defend its interests and secure victory in the governorship and legislative elections in Abia State in 2027.
The communiqué was said to have been unanimously adopted and signed by the 17 members of the Abia APC State Working Committee who were present at the meeting.
The document was signed by the State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu; Deputy Chairman, Chief Chinedu Ihesiulo; Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah; and Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, among other members of the SWC.
