Abia State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly denied claims that its State Working Committee (SWC) endorsed a specific governorship candidate ahead of the party’s primary elections. The denial follows allegations by Mascot Uzor Kalu, a governorship aspirant and younger brother of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who accused the SWC of planning to back a particular contender for the party’s gubernatorial ticket.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Uche Aguoru, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Abia APC described the allegations as “entirely false, misleading, and without any basis.” The party clarified that the SWC has not endorsed any aspirant for the governorship or any other elective position. The only endorsement the party has collectively made, it stated, remains that of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement further emphasized that neither the SWC nor the enlarged State Executive Committee has endorsed any aspirant at any level. Under the leadership of state chairman Chijioke Chukwu, the SWC has pledged to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants during the primaries.
The controversy highlights the heightened tensions within the Abia APC as the governorship race intensifies. With multiple aspirants vying for the party’s ticket, the leadership’s commitment to fairness and transparency will be crucial in maintaining unity and credibility ahead of the primary elections. Observers note that the party’s stance could influence its internal dynamics and public perception as it prepares for the 2023 general elections.
