2027: APC pardons Orji Kalu, others over alleged anti-party activities

The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted unconditional pardon to erring members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the party vowed to maintain zero tolerance for future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and anti-party activities among its members.

The decision was reached at the party’s post-primaries review and reconciliation stakeholders’ meeting held at its secretariat in Umuahia on Sunday.

Moving the motion, Uzor Azubuike, APC candidate for Aba North/South Federal Constituency, said unity required forgiving all members.

Mr Azubuike said forgiveness was necessary to protect the party’s electoral prospects and strengthen its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged members to abandon past grievances and work together, regardless of whether they had remained loyal or previously erred.

The motion was seconded by Emmanuel Ndubuisi, member representing Bende South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.

Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, said the party had concluded its primaries, describing them as the best in Abia’s political history.

Mr Chukwu urged aggrieved members to forgive one another and channel complaints through established party structures rather than the media.

“Let’s chart a new course together. We cannot take over this state in disunity,” Mr Chukwu said.

He warned members supporting other political parties to desist, stressing that such acts of disloyalty would no longer be tolerated.

Mr Chukwu also ruled out any alliance with another political party, urging members to remain committed to the APC’s objectives and programmes in Abia.

On Orji Kalu and Chris Nkwonta, Mr Chukwu said the State Working Committee (SWC) chose reconciliation over sanctions after private engagements.

Mr Kalu is the senator represents Abia North District, while Mr Nkwonta represents Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Mr Chukwu said both leaders explained that their actions stemmed from dissatisfaction with party processes rather than an intention to undermine the APC.

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The SWC had issued a 14-day ultimatum on 10 August over alleged anti-party comments supporting Governor Alex Otti’s 2027 political ambition. Mr Otti is seeking reelection as Abia governor under the Labour Party.

The committee had described the comments as embarrassing and inimical to party unity during ongoing mobilisation across the state’s 184 wards.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the party subsequently established a Peace and Reconciliation Committee chaired by Madukwe Ukaegbu.

The committee was given 10 days to visit all 184 wards and reconcile aggrieved members as part of efforts to strengthen party unity.