ABIA APC CONDEMNS ORJI KALU, NKWONTA OVER SUPPORT FOR OTTI, ISSUES 7-DAY APOLOGY ULTIMATUM

The State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abia state chapter at its meeting held on Monday, 10th August 2026, extensively deliberated on recent public statements and actions attributed to two prominent members and leaders of the Party, namely, 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 and strongly condemns, 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 is particularly concerned that at a time when the Party is mobilising its members and supporters across the 184 wards of Abia State towards a total electoral victory in 2027, statements capable of undermining the confidence of our 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 State Working Committee notes 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 expresses 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 considers these actions particularly disturbing because they were made by individuals who are regarded as leaders and prominent members of the APC in Abia State. Such public declarations, in the considered 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 demoralising 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.

Accordingly, the State Working Committee, having carefully considered the implications of the said conduct, unanimously holds that the actions of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta constitute anti-party activities and a clear breach and violation 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.

RESOLUTIONS
After due consideration, the Abia State Working Committee hereby resolves as follows:

1. That we strongly condemn the statements and actions attributed to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta and considers them unacceptable, irresponsible, unstatesmanlike and inimical to the collective interest of the APC in Abia State.

2. We call on both Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta to tender an unreserved public apology to the All Progressives Congress, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia State within seven (14) days from the date of this communiqué.

3. 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.

4. Failure by either of the two individuals to comply with this demand within the stipulated seven (14) days will leave the Party with no option than to constitute a disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding their respective statements and actions and make appropriate disciplinary recommendations to the competent organs of the Party.

5. Where found liable, the Party shall take whatever disciplinary measures as prescribed by the APC Constitution and other applicable party regulations, without fear or favour and irrespective of the status of the individuals concerned.

6. The SWC further resolves 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.

7. 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.

OUR POSITION
The SWC wishes to make it abundantly clear that the APC is bigger than any individual, regardless of his or her political stature. Leadership comes with responsibility, and those entrusted with the responsibility of leading a political party must be seen to 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 occupying leadership positions, are expected to demonstrate discipline, loyalty, restraint and commitment to the Party.

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

This communiqué was unanimously adopted and signed by the seventeen (17) members of the Abia State Working Committee present at the meeting.

Signed:

Hon. Chijioke Chukwu – chairman

Chief Chinedu Ihesiulo – Dep. Chairman

Chief Chidi Avajah – Secretary

Comrade Ben Godson – Asst. Secretary

Lady C. C. Erondu jp. – Woman leader

Lolo Josephine Chukwu – Dep. 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

Uche Aguoru – Publicity Secretary

Date: 10th August, 2026