The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and House of Representatives member Chris Nkwonta, demanding public apologies for remarks the party considers anti-party activities. Failure to comply will trigger disciplinary proceedings.
The decision was reached by the State Working Committee (SWC), chaired by Chijioke Chukwu, during a meeting in Umuahia on Wednesday. In a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the committee unanimously condemned recent comments by both lawmakers as unstatesmanlike, embarrassing, and damaging to the party’s unity and electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general Elections.
The controversy stems from two separate incidents. Senator Kalu, representing Abia North, stated on national television that Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) would secure re-election in 2027. Separately, Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, declared at a reception for the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ukwa East that he intended to vote for Otti.
The APC said such conduct violates Article 21.2(11) of the party’s constitution, which authorizes disciplinary action against members whose actions undermine the organization. The SWC has called on both legislators to issue unreserved public apologies demonstrating commitment to the party and its candidates for the 2027 elections.
Should either lawmaker fail to respond within the stipulated period, the committee will constitute a disciplinary panel to recommend appropriate sanctions. The party reiterated its determination to maintain internal cohesion and to contest the governorship and all legislative seats in Abia State in the next electoral cycle.
