The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State announced on Thursday that its governorship ticket for the 2025 election will be zoned to the Abia Central Senatorial District. The decision was disclosed by Uche Aguoru, the party’s Publicity Secretary, in a statement addressed to members and the public.
According to the party’s notice, the zoning arrangement is intended to promote equity, justice and balanced representation across the three senatorial zones in the state. “This notice serves to guide our members and intending aspirants in the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement read. The APC said the decision reflects the fact that the current state chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, hails from Abia North, while the immediate past governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is from Abia South.
The zoning directive directly impacts two high‑profile potential candidates. Mascot Uzor Kalu, the younger brother of former governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, recently collected his expression of interest form in Abuja. His candidacy now faces an additional hurdle, as the party’s zoning places the ticket outside his home district. Similarly, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is reported to be considering a run against incumbent Governor Alex Otti; the new zoning also limits his prospects.
The APC appealed to aspirants and stakeholders from the North and South districts to respect the decision “in the spirit of sportsmanship.” Nevertheless, supporters of Mascot Uzor Kalu have publicly rejected the zoning, labeling it undemocratic and urging the party to allow a free contest for the governorship.
Zoning practices have become a common feature of intra‑party politics in Nigeria, often used to rotate power among regions and mitigate intra‑party rivalry. Critics argue that such arrangements can curb internal democracy, while proponents claim they promote inclusivity and prevent domination by a single zone.
The APC’s directive will shape the next round of internal primaries, influencing who can formally enter the race for the governorship. Candidates from Abia Central are now expected to file their nomination forms, while those from other districts must decide whether to support the party’s decision or seek alternative pathways.
The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has not yet responded to the APC’s zoning announcement. As the 2025 gubernatorial election approaches, the zoning decision and the ensuing reactions are likely to affect party dynamics, voter alignment, and the overall competitiveness of the contest in Abia State.
