Abia APC Demands Apology From Kalu, Nkwonta Over Otti Support

By Charity Uwakwe

A fresh political dispute has opened within the Abia APC as the party leadership moves against two prominent figures over their reported support for Governor Alex Otti.

The Abia State Working Committee of the APC has demanded public apologies from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta within seven days over statements it described as anti-party conduct and support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 Abia governorshipaa election.

A fresh political dispute has emerged within the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) condemned statements attributed to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta over the 2027 governorship election.

The SWC accused the two prominent APC members of making statements that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections. It also demanded that they publicly apologise to the party within seven days or face possible disciplinary action.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the SWC meeting held on Monday, August 10, 2026.

According to the communiqué, the committee deliberated extensively on recent statements and actions attributed to Kalu and Nkwonta concerning the 2027 Abia governorship election.

The SWC subsequently condemned the statements as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical” to the unity and electoral prospects of the APC in Abia State.

APC faults Kalu, Nkwonta over Otti comments

The Abia APC said it was particularly concerned that the statements were made at a time when the party was mobilising members and supporters across the state’s 184 wards ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party claimed that statements expressing support for a rival political party could undermine the confidence of its members and supporters.

Specifically, the SWC alleged that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated during an interview on a national television station that “Governor Otti of the Labour Party will win the governorship election.”

The committee also took issue with Hon. Chris Nkwonta over a statement he reportedly made in the presence of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to the communiqué, Nkwonta publicly stated that he would vote for Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party in the 2027 governorship election.

The SWC described the reported declarations as disturbing because Kalu and Nkwonta are regarded as prominent APC leaders in Abia.

It further alleged that their actions amounted to “internal sabotage and anti-party conduct” capable of weakening the party’s electoral structure and demoralising its members.

Abia APC cites party constitution

The State Working Committee stressed that no individual, regardless of political status or past contributions, was above the APC Constitution.

It cited Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, 2022, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose conduct is considered inimical to the party or amounts to indiscipline and disloyalty.

Consequently, the SWC resolved to demand an unreserved public apology from both Kalu and Nkwonta.

The committee said the apology must demonstrate their commitment to the APC, its Constitution, its leadership and the party’s decision to support its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, Nkwonta given seven days

The Abia APC gave the two politicians seven days from the date of the communiqué to comply with its demand.

The SWC warned that failure by either of them to apologise within the stipulated period would lead to the constitution of a disciplinary committee.

The committee said such a panel would investigate the circumstances surrounding their respective statements and actions and make appropriate recommendations to the competent organs of the party.

It added that, if found liable, the individuals could face disciplinary measures prescribed by the APC Constitution and other applicable party regulations.

The SWC also resolved that the party could withdraw its political support and privileges from either individual if their conduct was established to be inimical to the party’s interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC says party is bigger than individuals

The Abia APC declared that the party was “bigger than any individual,” regardless of political stature or influence.

It said leadership came with responsibility and that those entrusted with leadership positions were expected to defend the party’s 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,” the communiqué stated.

The SWC therefore urged APC members to remain calm, focused and united as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.

It assured members that the party would deploy “all legitimate political and organisational mechanisms” to protect its interests and pursue victory in the governorship and legislative elections.

The communiqué was said to have been unanimously adopted and signed by the 17 members of the Abia State Working Committee present at the meeting.

It was signed by the state chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu; Deputy Chairman, Chief Chinedu Ihesiulo; Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah; Assistant Secretary, Comrade Ben Godson; and other members of the SWC.