Abia APC Rejects Alleged Candidate List as Benjamin Kalu Insists on Democratic Primaries
“Fresh tension has erupted within the Abia chapter of the APC after rumours of a secret list of preferred candidates began circulating ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has now broken his silence, firmly rejecting the alleged list and declaring that only democratic primaries and consensus agreements recognised by the party’s constitution will produce APC candidates in the state.”
“Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and leader of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed speculations surrounding an alleged list of preferred candidates ahead of the APC primaries, insisting that only direct primaries or consensus arrangements recognised by the party’s constitution will determine candidates for the 2027 elections.”
The leader of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports alleging that a list of preferred candidates has been compiled ahead of the party’s primaries for the 2027 general elections.
Kalu described the speculation as contrary to the principles of participatory democracy and the constitutional provisions guiding the APC.
According to him, only two recognised democratic processes exist for the conduct of successful APC primaries across Nigeria — direct primaries and consensus arrangements agreed upon voluntarily by aspirants.
“It has been brought to my notice that there are speculations that a list of shortlisted candidates has been prepared to fly the flag of our party at the upcoming elections,” Kalu stated.
“The premise of this alleged list is against the principles of participatory democracy.”
He explained that, in line with the Electoral Act and the constitution of the APC, aspirants are expected to either mobilise grassroots support to emerge through direct primaries or engage in consultations capable of producing a consensus candidate.
“In line with the Electoral Act and the Constitution of our great party, there are only two recognised approaches for successful APC primaries across Nigeria — direct primaries and consensus,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker further urged members of the APC in Abia State to disregard rumours or assumptions suggesting the existence of a pre-arranged list for House of Assembly, National Assembly, and governorship primaries.
“Members of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State are advised to ignore any assumption or suspicion regarding the existence of any kind of list from any quarters,” he said.
“If such a list exists anywhere, it is by this announcement rendered null and void.”
Furthermore, Kalu assured party faithful that the people-oriented spirit that guided the APC congresses in Abia would also shape the conduct of the forthcoming primaries.
“The spirit of how we conducted our congresses, which was centred around our people, is still alive, and the conduct of our primaries will not be different,” he stated.
Meanwhile, he called on party members to remain united and focused on strengthening the APC ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
“Dear members of the APC family in Abia State, we have work to do. Let us keep tilling the ground as we have been doing and prepare our party for massive electoral victories across contests next year,” Kalu added.
“It starts now, and we will remain together no matter the antics of disruptors. You have the support of the leadership of the party at all levels. With you, we built a strong and formidable party; with you, we will sustain it.”
He concluded by reaffirming confidence in the unity and electoral prospects of the APC in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.
