2027: Abia APC gives Kalu, Nkwonta 14-day ultimatum over Otti comments

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA — The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and a member of the House of Representatives, Chief Chris Nkwonta, 14 days to apologise over comments the party described as support for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party in the 2027 governorship election.

Kalu represents Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, while Nkwonta represents Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The party, in a communiqué issued after its State Working Committee (SWC) meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, said comments attributed to the two lawmakers amounted to alleged anti-party conduct and violated provisions of the APC Constitution.

The SWC, led by the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, alleged that Kalu, during an interview with a national television station, expressed the view that Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.

It also alleged that Nkwonta, during the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area, said he would vote for Otti’s re-election.

The APC said the comments were unacceptable because the party was preparing to contest the 2027 governorship election and expected its members and leaders to support its candidates.

According to the communiqué signed by members of the 17-member SWC, including Deputy Chairman Chinedu Ihesiulo, Secretary Chidi Baja and Publicity Secretary Uche Aguoru, the statements attributed to the two lawmakers were considered inconsistent with the party’s position.

The party cited Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, 2022, which provides for disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is considered inimical to the interests of the party.

The SWC consequently directed Kalu and Nkwonta to tender public apologies to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in the state within 14 days of the communiqué.

It said the apology should demonstrate their commitment to the party, its constitution and leadership, as well as the party’s decision to field and support its candidates in the 2027 general elections, particularly its governorship candidate.

The party warned that failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated period would lead to the constitution of a disciplinary committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the statements and make recommendations to the appropriate organs of the party.

The communiqué stated that the SWC had “unanimously and unequivocally” condemned the statements and actions attributed to the two lawmakers.

It said: “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.”

On Kalu, the party said it was concerned by his reported comment that “Governor Otti of the Labour Party will win the governorship election.”

On Nkwonta, it said his reported declaration that he would vote for Otti was also inconsistent with the party’s position.

The SWC said the comments were particularly significant because of the positions occupied by the two lawmakers within the party and the National Assembly.

It warned that any member found to have violated the party’s constitution or regulations would be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with the relevant provisions.

The APC also stressed that all members, regardless of their status, position or contribution to the party, were bound by its constitution, rules and regulations.

The development adds to the political manoeuvring within the Abia APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

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