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From Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Chijioke Chukwu, has withdrawn its earlier threat to sanction former Abia State governor and Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, over alleged anti-party remarks.
The decision was reached on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s new secretariat on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, barely two weeks after the State Working Committee (SWC) issued a 14-day ultimatum directing the two lawmakers to publicly apologise for comments allegedly interpreted as support for the re-election of Labour Party Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.
Neither Kalu nor Nkwonta publicly tendered the demanded apology within the stipulated period. Rather than proceed with disciplinary action, however, the state leadership opted for reconciliation and withdrew the threat. The SWC, at its August 10 meeting, had accused the lawmakers of conduct allegedly inimical to the interests of the party and contrary to Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, which provides for disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is considered detrimental to the party.
The party had consequently directed Kalu and Nkwonta to publicly apologise to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia, and reaffirm their commitment to the party, its constitution and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly its governorship candidate.
The SWC warned that failure to comply would lead to the constitution of a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter and make recommendations to the appropriate party organs.
At Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, however, Chukwu signalled a shift from confrontation to reconciliation, saying the party needed to rebuild unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
He acknowledged that the party’s recent primaries and congresses had generated disagreements and dissatisfaction among members, and said the leadership was prepared to accept responsibility for shortcomings in the interest of reconciliation.
“If there is anybody that should be blamed, I take responsibility first before members of the State Working Committee,” Chukwu said.
The chairman urged members to put past disagreements behind them and work together to strengthen the party, while cautioning that future grievances should be channelled through established party structures rather than aired publicly or in the media.
The meeting also revisited the controversy involving Kalu and Nkwonta. Chukwu said the two lawmakers had engaged the party leadership privately and explained that their comments were not intended to undermine the APC.
In a significant departure from the earlier threat of disciplinary action, the stakeholders adopted a motion seeking to bring the matter to an end.
The motion, moved by the APC candidate for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Uzor Azubuike, and seconded by Emmanuel Ndubisi, who represents Bende South in the Abia State House of Assembly, was adopted by voice vote.
The resolution effectively ended the immediate threat of sanctions against Kalu, Nkwonta and other members whose actions were linked to disagreements, anger, provocation or misunderstandings arising from previous party activities.
Chukwu, however, clarified that the resolution did not prevent legitimate reviews of other matters by the appropriate party authorities, stressing that future breaches of the party’s constitution and guidelines would attract appropriate sanctions.
The development comes amid efforts by the Abia APC leadership to close ranks and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections, following internal disagreements arising from its primaries, congresses and other political activities.
The stakeholders’ meeting also featured the celebration of Chukwu’s birthday, which coincided with the gathering of party leaders and members at the party’s new secretariat.
