Deputy Speaker Kalu Declares APC Belongs to All Members, Urges Unity for 2027
Umuahia, Nigeria – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Abia State APC leader, Benjamin Kalu, has asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is collectively owned by its members, not by any single individual, including President Bola Tinubu. Kalu made the statement on Wednesday while addressing party stakeholders during a rescheduled ward congress in Umuahia, Abia State.
Kalu’s remarks come as the APC finalises internal organisational processes ahead of the 2027 general elections. He urged members to embrace unity and cohesion, framing the current congresses as a critical exercise in party-building and discipline. “No one man will own the party,” Kalu stated, quoting President Tinubu’s own preference for referring to the party as “our party” rather than “my party.”
The ward and local government congresses, initially postponed, are now set for February 25 and 26. This rescheduling followed the cancellation of an earlier exercise due to the circulation of multiple nomination forms in Abia State, a move contravening national party directives. Kalu explained the leadership’s decision to hold a single, harmonised congress instead, describing it as essential for fostering inclusivity.
“This is a congress of harmonisation,” Kalu explained. “It is where stakeholders are given a sense of belonging in deciding who will lead from their ward to their local government, as well as the state. It is where everybody is given a sense of importance, of relevance.” The process, he said, is designed to eliminate internal divisions and build a united front anchored on shared purpose.
The APC has officially reaffirmed its commitment to unity, expansion, and meticulous preparation for the 2027 elections. The successful conclusion of the harmonised congresses in states like Abia is seen as a foundational step toward strengthening the party’s structure and grassroots support.
Kalu’s address underscores a broader strategic emphasis on internal democracy and collective ownership within the APC. By insisting the party belongs to all members, the leadership aims to mitigate factionalism and present a cohesive platform for the next electoral cycle. The harmonisation process in Abia is being closely watched as a model for resolving similar internal conflicts in other states.
The focus now shifts to the conduct of the rescheduled congresses. Their outcome will signal the APC’s ability to manage internal processes amicably, a crucial factor in maintaining its status as Nigeria’s governing party and mounting a robust campaign for the 2027 polls. The message from Abia is clear: the path to electoral success is paved with unity and inclusive participation.
