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From Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, also known as Ignes, received a rousing welcome, last Friday, as he addressed party faithful at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, at his residence in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area.
Ogbonna’s entrance and subsequent remarks electrified the gathering, drawing loud cheers from members of the APC, the OUK Movement, and the Reality Organisation —two of the largest political support structures in Abia State sponsored by the former governor.
The meeting, organised by Senator Kalu, was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party, deepening grassroots mobilisation, and dispelling speculations of divisions, following the recently concluded APC state, local government, and ward congresses in Abia.
Addressing the crowd, Ogbonna, an entrepreneur and influential APC figure in Arochukwu and Ohafia, struck a unifying tone, emphasising collective strength and loyalty to the party’s leadership.
“We are gathered here to feel the impact of Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who has brought us all together in unity. I am a man of few words, and I commend him for this initiative,” he said.
“In full collaboration with the party, the OUK Movement and the Reality Organisation, we all stand together to unite ourselves to win all the elections,” Ogbonna added, drawing another round of applause.
His remarks set the tone for the meeting, which saw key party stakeholders reiterate their commitment to unity and electoral victory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Abia APC State Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah, dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party, insisting that the APC in the state remained indivisible.
“There is no such thing as the OUK faction, Emenike faction, or Benjamin faction. We are one,” he declared, expressing confidence that the party would take over Abia State in 2027.
Similarly, the party’s women leader recalled the developmental strides of Senator Kalu during his tenure as governor, urging members to remain steadfast and united.
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Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and current Abia Chairman of the City Boys Movement, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, also reinforced the message of loyalty and political resolve, declaring unwavering support for Kalu’s leadership and the APC’s structure in the state.
In his address, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding while intensifying political activities across the state. He dismissed allegations of discontent over the outcome of the party congresses and denied any rift with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Kalu explained that his absence from the state congress was due to official engagements at the National Assembly, reaffirming that the APC in Abia was united and focused.
“There is full reconciliation in APC, and anyone who dislikes it can move to another party,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure all elective positions in Abia in 2027, including the governorship, National Assembly seats, and deliver the state for President Bola Tinubu.
“In 2023, we did not secure enough votes for the president, but by 2027, we must unite and show commitment to deliver Abia for him,” Kalu stated.
The senator also reiterated his long-standing support for state policing and assured party members of continued strategic mobilisation.
Meanwhile, his younger brother, Mascot Uzor Kalu, reaffirmed his ambition to contest the 2027 Abia governorship election on the APC platform, urging members to remain committed to the party’s vision.
Other stakeholders, including leaders of the OUK Movement, echoed calls for unity, stressing that collective effort would be critical to the APC’s success in future elections.
The meeting concluded with renewed assurances of solidarity, as party leaders and support groups pledged to close ranks and work towards reclaiming power in Abia State.
