Leadership and Unity in APC Abia State
Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has emphasized the readiness of the Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver a massive vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. This statement was made during his remarks at the APC Abia Congress, which resulted in the election of Hon. Chijioke Chukwu as the party’s chairman in Umuahia on Tuesday.
Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency, highlighted that the party is united and prepared for the upcoming political contest. He stated:
“This is a new leaf in political party activities and administration. That is what we have embraced now in Abia State where the party has been returned to the owners. As you have chosen your leaders here today, give them your loyalty and support.”
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, referring to him as a true Democrat who understands the value of harmonization, consensus, and agreement. Kalu noted that this approach was instrumental in rebuilding the party, making it healthier and stronger.
“Now the party is healthier, stronger and can break walls now and ready to win elections for Mr. President. Abia state is ready to give the President the vote he is looking for. We stand on his mandate.”
Kalu further assured that Abia State would not negotiate for a smaller percentage of votes but would instead provide a massive show of support for President Tinubu in 2027. He also mentioned that the South East region would not waste its votes and would vote for President Tinubu.
“President Bola Tinubu has sons and daughters in Abia State. In the southern political corridor, we don’t have any other candidate except President Bola Tinubu.”
Kalu also pledged support for the new APC leadership in the state, emphasizing that a mega unity rally is planned to promote the party across all areas of the state. He said:
“We will support the chairman, his administration and all the people elected to pilot the affairs of our party. Abia, please, get ready, APC is here. This one is not a rally, we are coming for the mega unity rally. We are inviting the President and the national leadership of our party to the rally.”
New Leadership and Commitment to Unity
Following his inauguration, the new APC State Chairman, Hon. Chukwu, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and members of the party across the state for their confidence in him. He promised to grow the party’s membership and declared that the days of divisions and factions within the APC were over.
Chukwu stated:
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, a deep sense of responsibility and a pledge to serve you all with humility. I sincerely thank every delegate and stakeholder who found me worthy to serve as the State Chairman of our great party. This victory is not mine alone, it belongs to all of us.”
He acknowledged the focused leadership of President Tinubu, which he credited with restoring peace and unity in the party. Chukwu pledged to maintain this peace and ensure an open, inclusive, and transparent administration.
“There will be no more faction. There will be no more division. It is now time for reconciliation, consolidation, and expansion of our party’s strength across every ward and local government. Together, we will reposition our party, strengthen our structures, and prepare for greater victories ahead.”
Positive Feedback from Party Officials
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC Abia State Congress Committee and former Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar, expressed satisfaction with the resolutions made at the Congress. He commended the leadership qualities of Deputy Speaker Kalu and the 7-man Local Organizing Committee chaired by Chief Marc Wabara.
Go’ar remarked:
“When I first entered this arena, it was a peaceful atmosphere. People were singing and dancing. We almost missed our way. Little did I know it was a Congress venue.”
He praised the efforts of the local organizing committee, stating that they made everything simple for the Congress. Go’ar also shared his personal experience, saying:
“I had a dream and the Lord said He is not done with you. We started the ward congress and local government congress on a good footing and we are ending on a good footing. They have given me the list of Abia State Exco. I have the resolutions. They are here. I have seen the resolutions. What has climaxed is the peaceful resolution as agreed by the State Execo and we are very happy indeed.”
