Abia APC Endorses Benjamin Kalu for 2027 Governorship Bid, Sparks Internal Party Uproar

Stakeholders rally behind Deputy Speaker as rival camp rejects move, warns of imposition crisis

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By Chinedu Nwamkpa | Umuahia, Abia State

A fresh political rift has emerged within the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the endorsement of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as a preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.

The decision, taken at a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, has triggered sharp opposition from another faction within the party, deepening internal tensions ahead of the polls.

The endorsement was made during a gathering of party leaders drawn from all three senatorial zones and the 17 local government areas of the state.

Party stakeholders at the meeting argued that Kalu represents a strong electoral option capable of unifying the party and mounting a serious challenge in the 2027 governorship race.

A party representative, Martins Azubuike, said the meeting was aimed at consolidating internal party structures and strengthening grassroots representation ahead of the elections.

Kalu Reacts, Keeps Decision Open
Responding to the endorsement, Benjamin Kalu expressed appreciation to stakeholders but stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy.

He said his position on the governorship race would be made public in the coming weeks, signalling continued political consultations within party ranks.

Kalu also stressed that the APC was positioning itself for a competitive return to power in Abia State, describing the party as focused on rebuilding its influence ahead of 2027.

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Rival Camp Rejects Endorsement
However, the development has been strongly rejected by governorship aspirant Mascot Uzor Kalu, who described the endorsement as premature and exclusionary.

In a statement, he alleged that the process sidelined other aspirants and warned against what he described as a “pre-arranged consensus” within the party structure.

He argued that any attempt to impose a candidate without broad consultation would be resisted and could deepen internal divisions within the APC in Abia State.

Growing Tensions Ahead of 2027
Political observers say the emerging rift reflects a broader struggle for control within the party as it attempts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement of a frontrunner without unanimous agreement underscores ongoing factional negotiations and competing ambitions among key stakeholders.

While APC leaders in Abia project unity and electoral readiness, the backlash from rival camps suggests that internal consensus remains fragile.

As preparations for 2027 intensify, the party’s ability to manage internal disputes may determine its competitiveness in one of the South-East’s most politically contested states.