Abia State
Abia APC Leaders Rally for Unity as Benjamin Kalu, Mascot Kalu Prepare for Governorship Showdown
Top leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State on Thursday gathered in Umuahia ahead of the party’s governorship primary election, with calls for unity, transparency, and fairness dominating discussions.
The high-level meeting brought together key figures including Orji Uzor Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and governorship aspirant Mascot Uzor Kalu.
The meeting comes amid heightened political activities within the APC following the purchase of governorship nomination forms by both Benjamin Kalu and Mascot Uzor Kalu ahead of the Abia APC governorship primary.
In a statement after the meeting, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the gathering was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, party stakeholders must set aside grievances and work together to ensure victory for the APC and its candidates in future elections.
The former governor also warned against divisive rumours allegedly being spread by “mischief makers” to create disunity among party leaders.
“As we approach the party primaries, there is a need to adopt transparent and inclusive measures in conducting the exercise in order to prevent post-primary crises arising from competing interests,” Kalu stated.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who is also among those seeking the APC governorship ticket in Abia, described the meeting as symbolic and important for the continued growth of the party in the state.
He said the APC had grown significantly over the past three years and now possesses the political strength to compete strongly in Abia State.
Benjamin Kalu further stressed that no aspirant would receive an automatic ticket, noting that all candidates would emerge either through consensus or direct primaries in accordance with party guidelines.
“While applauding all aspirants who purchased nomination forms, I urge them not to allow the outcome of the primaries to destroy what we have collectively built,” he said.
He also commended party leaders including Orji Uzor Kalu and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiru Onyejeocha for contributing to the success of the stakeholders’ meeting.
On his part, Mascot Uzor Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to respecting the outcome of the governorship primary, provided the process remains credible, transparent, and fair to all aspirants.
The APC chieftain dismissed claims of division within the party, insisting that the Umuahia meeting demonstrated unity among stakeholders.
“Like our party symbol, the broom, we are stronger together than as separate bristles,” he said.
Political observers believe the growing contest between leading aspirants within the APC could shape the future of opposition politics in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.
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