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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold its harmonised ward and local government congresses in line with the directives of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
Addressing party members in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said the decision for harmonised congresses followed consultations within the party’s highest organs, including the national caucus and the National Executive Committee.
Rt Hon Kalu said the decision was aimed at easing internal tensions and reinforcing unity ahead of future elections.
“The leadership of the party concluded that a single, inclusive process would best preserve cohesion within the party, rather than parallel congresses that could deepen divisions.”
This approach, he said, was endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a committed democrat who insisted that party structures must reflect collective ownership rather than individual control.
“The President made it clear that decisions reached by the caucus and NEC were binding and could not be altered by any individual or group.
“Disagreements that emerged during earlier stages of the congress planning prompted fresh intervention by the party’s national leadership, leading to the activation of the National Working Committee and the reconstitution of congress committees to align with the agreed framework.
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“Under the harmonisation model, party stakeholders across wards, local governments and the state are expected to reach consensus on leadership positions, ensuring that all interests are represented.”
Kalu said this was essential for restoring confidence among grassroots members and strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
The party announced that ward congresses would hold on February 25, followed by local government congresses on February 26.
It was disclosed that national congress, screening and appeal committees have been sent to Abia to oversee the process, while officials of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are expected to monitor the exercises.
Emmanuel Goar, chairman of the APC ward and local government congress committee, said the committee is working strictly within the harmonisation mandate given by the national leadership.
He assured members that the process would be transparent and reflect the collective will of party stakeholders.
Mac Wabara, who chairs a seven-member Abia committee working with the national body, thanked party leaders for the confidence placed in his team and pledged that they would conduct the congresses in line with agreed guidelines.
