All Progressives Congress Scraps Abia Zoning, Throws Governorship Race Open
“In a dramatic policy reversal that could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, the All Progressives Congress has scrapped its controversial zoning arrangement in Abia State—instantly throwing the race for key positions, including the governorship, wide open.”
“The APC National Leadership has nullified Abia’s zoning directive, allowing all aspirants—regardless of senatorial district—to contest in the 2027 elections. This decision overturns an earlier move that zoned the governorship to Abia Central, signaling a return to open competition within the party.”
The All Progressives Congress has officially reversed its earlier zoning directive in Abia State, directing a return to the status quo ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries.
The decision, announced in a statement issued on May 1, 2026, and signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, followed widespread concerns raised by stakeholders and party leaders across the state.
According to the statement, the APC National Leadership reviewed the issues and subsequently ordered that all zoning arrangements earlier introduced by the State Working Committee be scrapped.
“The party has directed that all zoning arrangements earlier issued by the State Working Committee be jettisoned. The party will, therefore, maintain the status quo,” the statement read.
As a result, the political space within the party has now been liberalised, and all aspirants—regardless of zoning considerations—are eligible to contest.
Furthermore, the party advised interested aspirants seeking positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the governorship to proceed with the purchase of nomination forms before the stipulated deadline.
Background: Earlier Zoning Decision
Notably, the reversal comes barely 24 hours after the party in the state announced that its 2027 governorship ticket had been zoned to Abia Central Senatorial District.
In the earlier statement, the party had said:
“This is to notify our esteemed members and the general public in Abia State that the APC has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to Abia Central Senatorial District.”
It added:
“This notice serves to guide our members and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.”
The party justified the zoning arrangement on the grounds of equity and fairness:
“This decision is taken in the interest of equity, justice, and fair play, and in line with the party’s commitment to balanced representation across the three senatorial zones.”
It further noted:
“Since the return of democracy in 1999, Abia State has operated on an understanding of power rotation among the three zones to foster unity and inclusiveness.”
Providing additional context, the statement explained:
“The decision is further premised on the fact that the State Chairman of the Party hails from Abia North Senatorial District, while Abia South produced the immediate past governor of the state. It is therefore just and equitable for Abia Central to produce the next governor on the APC platform.”
The party had appealed for unity:
“We appeal to all aspirants and stakeholders from other zones to respect this decision of the party in the spirit of sportsmanship. Let us work together to secure victory for our great party.”
Implications
However, with the latest directive from the national leadership, that zoning framework has now been effectively nullified—setting the stage for a more competitive and unpredictable primary process within the APC in Abia.
Political observers believe the move could significantly alter alliance-building, aspirant strategies, and the overall dynamics of the party ahead of 2027.
