The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has threatened disciplinary action against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta over alleged support for Labour Party Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party’s State Working Committee (SWC) made its position known in a communiqué issued after its meeting on Monday.
The communiqué, signed by the state APC chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, and 16 other members of the SWC, described statements and actions allegedly attributed to Kalu and Nkwonta as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical” to the unity and electoral prospects of the party in the state.
The Abia APC said it was particularly concerned that the alleged comments were made at a time when the party was mobilising members and supporters across the state’s 184 wards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the party, Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, was reported to have said during a television interview that Governor Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.
The SWC also expressed disappointment over the alleged conduct of Nkwonta, claiming that he publicly declared, in the presence of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that he would vote for Otti in the forthcoming election.Government
The party described the alleged actions of the two politicians as “anti-party conduct,” arguing that such behaviour could undermine its efforts to strengthen its structure and prepare for the 2027 elections.
The Abia APC cited Article 21.2 (11) of its constitution, which provides for disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is considered inimical to the party or amounts to indiscipline and disloyalty.Legislative Branch
As part of its resolutions, the SWC demanded that Kalu and Nkwonta tender an “unreserved public apology” to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia State.
The party gave both politicians seven days from the date of the communiqué to issue the apology.
It further stated that the apology must demonstrate their commitment to the APC, its constitution and leadership, as well as the party’s collective decision to support its candidates in the 2027 general elections, particularly its governorship candidate.
The SWC warned that failure to comply with the directive would leave the party with “no option” but to constitute a disciplinary committee to investigate the statements and actions attributed to the two politicians.
The party said that if either politician was found culpable, appropriate disciplinary measures would be imposed in line with the APC Constitution and other applicable regulations.
It stressed that any disciplinary action would be taken “without fear or favour and irrespective of the status of the individuals concerned.”
The SWC also resolved that the party could withdraw its political support and privileges from either politician if their conduct was established to be detrimental to the APC’s interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Abia APC maintained that the party remained bigger than any individual, regardless of political influence or stature.Legislative Branch
“The APC is bigger than any individual, regardless of his or her political stature,” the party said.
It added that political leadership comes with responsibility and that party leaders were expected to uphold the organisation’s values, defend its interests and respect decisions reached by its leadership.
The party urged its members and supporters to remain calm, focused and united as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
It also assured members that it would deploy “all legitimate political and organisational mechanisms” to protect the integrity of the party and pursue its objective of winning the governorship and legislative elections in Abia State in 2027.
