Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abia have adopted President Bola Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate for 2027.

They also unanimously affirmed Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu as the party’s recognised leader in Abia. The resolutions are contained in a communiqué issued after a pre-congress meeting at Kalu’s country home in Bende on Sunday.

The meeting drew party executives, former lawmakers, serving legislators and senior figures from across the 17 local government areas.

Among those present were Donatus Nwankpa, National Welfare Secretary;  former Abia Central senator, Nkechi Nwogu; and Nyerere Anyim, APC national vice-chairman. Also in attendance were Chris Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West federal constituency, and Emeka Wogu, chairman of the South East Development Commission.

According to the communiqué, Tinubu’s endorsement reflected confidence in his leadership and reform-driven administration.

The stakeholders described his policies as “bold, transformative and necessary for long-term national stability”. They said his adoption was consistent with the zoning arrangement and the principle of power rotation.

The communiqué stated that such adherence would promote equity, inclusion and national cohesion. The meeting also expressed firm support for ongoing and proposed federal government projects across the South-East.

These include road rehabilitation, rail modernisation and renewed investment in long-neglected infrastructure.
Stakeholders commended what they termed an improved federal presence in the region.

They noted that sustained infrastructure development would stimulate economic growth and regional integration. Participants praised the administration’s economic reforms, particularly its efforts to stabilise public finances.

They restated the case for private-sector-led growth as crucial to unlocking opportunities in enterprise, manufacturing, and trade.

The communiqué urged members to defend the party’s achievements with facts and discipline.

Mr Kalu’s affirmation as state leader followed a motion moved by Mr Nwogu and seconded by Mr Nkwonta. Stakeholders from the 17 local government areas endorsed him through a unanimous voice vote.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kalu expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him.

Mr Kalu disclosed that over 160,000 members were registered during the first phase of the nationwide e-registration exercise. He described the figure as evidence of renewed grassroots mobilisation across the state.

He projected that membership would exceed 200,000 when the registration portal reopens.

According to him, sustained mobilisation would position the party strongly ahead of future elections. Mr Kalu urged leaders to prioritise unity and avoid actions that could weaken internal cohesion.

“Let us place party interest above personal ambition and strengthen our collective resolve,” he said.

(NAN)