Abia APC condemns Kalu, Nkwonta over pro-Otti comments, demands public apology

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia 

The All Progressives Congress, (APC), Abia State Chapter, has strongly condemned statements credited to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta endorsing Governor Alex Otti for the 2027 governorship election.

The party described their actions as unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing, and inimical to the unity, cohesion, and electoral prospects of the APC in the state.

This was contained in a communiqué unanimously adopted and signed by 17 members of the Abia State Working Committee, (SWC), present at the meeting.

The signatories include: Hon. Chijioke Chukwu – Chairman; Chief Chinedu Ihesiulo – Deputy Chairman; Chief Chidi Avajah – Secretary; Comrade Ben Godson – Assistant Secretary; Lady C. C. Erondu, JP – Woman Leader; Lolo Josephine Chukwu – Deputy Woman Leader; Prince Tony Egbulefu – Senatorial Chairman, Central; Sir Justice Onwumelu – Senatorial Chairman, South; Chief Ebere Nwachukwu – Welfare Secretary; Darlington Ujoumunna – Financial Secretary; John Ajuzieogu – Treasurer; Chief Jerry Awah – Youth Leader; Hon. Mike Ukoha – Special Leader; Chief Emma Nwauhiara – Auditor; Barr. Emeka Okorafor – Organizing Secretary; Barr. Vigilius Nwankwo – Legal Adviser; and Uche Aguoru – Publicity Secretary.

According to the Communiqué, the SWC, in a meeting held on Monday, August 10, 2026, extensively deliberated on recent public statements and actions attributed to two prominent members and leaders of the party, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta, concerning the 2027 Abia State Governorship Election.

After exhaustive deliberations, the State Working Committee unanimously and unequivocally condemned, in its entirety, the said statements and actions as unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing, and inimical to the unity, cohesion, and electoral prospects of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State.

The SWC expressed concern that at a time when the party is mobilizing its members and supporters across the 184 wards of Abia State towards total electoral victory in 2027, statements capable of undermining the confidence of members and supporters, while openly projecting support for a rival political party, are not only regrettable but constitute a serious breach of party loyalty.

The Committee noted with grave concern that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in an interview on a national television station, was reported to have declared that “Governor Otti of the Labour Party will win the governorship election.”

Similarly, the SWC expressed deep disappointment over the conduct of Hon. Chris Nkwonta, who, in the presence of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, publicly stated that he would vote for Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party in the 2027 governorship election.

The SWC considered these actions particularly disturbing because, they were made by individuals regarded as leaders and prominent members of the APC in Abia State.

Such public declarations, in the view of the State Working Committee, amount to acts of internal sabotage and anti-party conduct intended to weaken the party’s electoral machinery and demoralize its teeming members.

“The APC is a political party governed by its constitution, rules, and regulations. No individual, regardless of status, position, influence, or past contribution to the party, is above the Constitution of the party,” the communiqué stated.

Accordingly, the SWC held that the actions of Senator Kalu and Hon. Nkwonta constitute anti-party activities and a clear breach of Article 21.2(11) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, 2022, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose conduct is inimical to the party or amounts to acts of indiscipline and disloyalty.

After due consideration, the Abia State Working Committee resolved as follows:

That it strongly condemns the statements and actions attributed to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta as unacceptable, irresponsible, unstatesmanlike, and inimical to the collective interest of the APC in Abia State.  It calls on both Senator Kalu and Hon. Nkwonta to tender an unreserved public apology to the APC, its leadership, members, and supporters in Abia State within 14 days from the date of this communiqué.

That the apology must clearly demonstrate their commitment to the party, its Constitution, its leadership, and the collective decision of the APC to present and support all its candidates in the 2027 general elections, especially the governorship candidate.

That failure by either of the two individuals to comply within the stipulated 14 days will leave the party with no option but to constitute a disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding their statements and actions and make appropriate recommendations to the competent organs of the party.   Where found liable, the party shall apply disciplinary measures as prescribed by the APC Constitution and other applicable party regulations, without fear or favour, irrespective of the status of the individuals concerned.

The SWC further resolved that the party would withdraw its political support and privileges from any of the individuals if their conduct is established to be inimical to the party’s interest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

That the Abia APC remains fully committed to the collective decision of its members and organs to strengthen the party, support its candidates, and work tirelessly towards winning the 2027 general elections and taking over the governance of Abia State.

The SWC stated that the APC is bigger than any individual, regardless of political stature. It added that leadership comes with responsibility, and those entrusted with leading a political party must uphold its values, defend its interests, and respect its decisions.

“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.

“At this critical stage of our preparations for the 2027 elections, all members, especially those in leadership positions, are expected to demonstrate discipline, loyalty, restraint, and commitment to the party,” it stated.

The Abia APC urged all its members to remain calm, focused, and united, assuring them that the party will deploy all legitimate political and organizational mechanisms to protect its integrity, defend its interests, and win the governorship and all legislative seats, both federal and state, in 2027.