The political crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has intensified following the party’s decision to give Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and House of Representatives member Chris Nkwonta a 14-day deadline to publicly apologise over comments interpreted as support for Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The directive was issued by the Abia APC State Working Committee, which accused the two prominent party members of engaging in conduct that could undermine the party’s unity and electoral prospects in the state.
APC demands public apology
The party reportedly wants Kalu and Nkwonta to tender an unreserved public apology to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia.
According to the party, statements attributed to the two politicians amounted to conduct inconsistent with the position of the APC as it prepares for the 2027 election.
The APC’s position is that its members are expected to support the party’s political objectives and candidates rather than publicly endorse a candidate from another political platform.
Nkwonta’s comments draw particular attention
Nkwonta, who represents Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, reportedly attracted the party’s attention after making comments indicating his intention to support Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid.
The APC viewed the declaration as particularly problematic because Nkwonta is a member of the party and holds an elected position under its platform.
The party subsequently characterised the conduct as anti-party activity and said it was capable of affecting the cohesion and electoral strength of the APC in Abia.
Orji Kalu also under pressure
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Abia State governor and currently representing Abia North Senatorial District, was also included in the party’s directive.
Kalu has remained an influential political figure in Abia and within the APC nationally. His political position is therefore significant as the party begins preparations for the 2027 governorship contest.
The disagreement demonstrates the growing political tension surrounding Governor Otti’s expected bid for another term and the efforts by opposition parties to determine how best to challenge him.
Possible disciplinary action
The 14-day ultimatum is reportedly accompanied by the possibility of disciplinary measures if the two politicians fail to comply.
The APC said the conduct attributed to the politicians could amount to a breach of provisions of its constitution dealing with indiscipline, disloyalty and actions considered inimical to the party’s interests.
This means that failure to apologise could potentially lead to further action by the party’s disciplinary structures, although the precise sanctions have not been publicly established.
Otti’s 2027 political battle
Governor Alex Otti, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, is expected to be at the centre of a major political contest in Abia ahead of 2027.
The APC is positioning itself to challenge the Labour Party’s control of the state, making the loyalty of its prominent members an increasingly important issue.
The development involving Kalu and Nkwonta therefore goes beyond a disagreement over individual statements. It reflects the wider struggle among political actors over alliances, party loyalty and the direction of Abia politics ahead of the next governorship election.
For now, the 14-day ultimatum places both politicians under pressure to decide whether to comply with the APC’s demand or maintain their positions regarding Governor Otti.
The controversy is likely to remain a major talking point within Abia’s political circles as the 2027 election approaches.