Otti Support Sparks APC Crisis As Party Moves Against Orji Kalu, Nwokota

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Hon. Chris Nkwonta of supporting Labour Party Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The allegation was raised by the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) during its meeting on Monday.

The SWC described statements and actions allegedly linked to the two politicians as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical to the unity, cohesion and electoral prospects of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State.”

In a communiqué signed by the state chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, and 16 other members of the SWC, the party expressed concern that the alleged remarks came at a time when the APC was mobilising members and supporters across the state’s 184 wards ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the party, Kalu was reported to have stated during a television interview that “Governor Otti of the Labour Party will win the governorship election.”

The Abia APC also faulted Nkwonta, alleging that he publicly declared, in the presence of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, that he would vote for Otti in the 2027 election.

The party described the alleged conduct as “anti-party”, arguing that it violated Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, which provides for disciplinary measures against members whose actions are deemed detrimental to the party or constitute indiscipline and disloyalty.

APC Gives Seven-Day Ultimatum

Following its deliberations, the State Working Committee issued several resolutions concerning the two politicians.

Public apology: The SWC demanded that Kalu and Nkwonta “tender an unreserved public apology to the All Progressives Congress, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia State.”

Seven-day deadline: The two politicians were given seven days from the date of the communiqué to issue the apology.

Commitment to APC: The party said the apology must reaffirm 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.

Disciplinary investigation: The SWC warned that failure to comply would leave the party with “no option” but to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate the statements and actions attributed to the two politicians.

Possible sanctions: If either politician is found guilty, the APC said it would impose any disciplinary measures prescribed by its constitution and other relevant regulations, “without fear or favour and irrespective of the status of the individuals concerned.”

Withdrawal of political support: The SWC also resolved that the party could withdraw its political support and privileges from either politician if their actions were found to be detrimental to the APC’s interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘APC Is Bigger Than Any Individual’

The Abia APC said its position was anchored on the principle that “the APC is bigger than any individual, regardless of his or her political stature.”

The party added that political leadership comes with responsibility and that its leaders were expected to uphold the party’s values, defend its interests and respect its decisions.

The Abia APC urged its members to remain calm, focused and united, assuring them that it would deploy “all legitimate political and organisational mechanisms” to protect the party’s integrity.

The party also reiterated its determination to work towards winning the governorship and legislative elections in Abia State in 2027.