2027: Abia APC in supremacy battle as Orji Kalu, Deputy Speaker clash
-Both deny rift but loyalists’ Facebook war, congress row deepen factional feud_
The All Progressives Congress in Abia State is battling internal strife as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, battle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Though both men have publicly denied any feud, loyalists’ exchanges on Facebook and disputes over recent ward congresses have exposed a fight for supremacy.
*‘I’ll deliver Abia for APC’ — Orji Kalu*
Orji Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, last week told supporters, “I will work for Tinubu to win in Abia State… Abia will be APC with me. I have brought my heart, I will lay it on the field.”
His camp also announced it had withdrawn support for Labour Party Governor Alex Otti.
“APC does not require the support of Governor Alex Otti to win elections,” his media office said.
*‘No one owns APC’ — Deputy Speaker*
Benjamin Kalu, the highest-ranking APC officeholder from Abia, has embarked on a “harmonisation” tour of the three senatorial zones.
“No one man will own the party, not Benjamin Kalu, not anybody,” he told stakeholders in Aba.
He said the party’s focus was “to eliminate internal divisions and build a united front” for 2027.
*Congress dispute triggers tension*
The crisis deepened after ward and LGA congresses held February 25-26.
The exercise, led by the Deputy Speaker, followed earlier cancellations blamed on factional disputes.
Loyalists of Orji Kalu described the harmonisation congress as a move to hijack the party structure.
*Mascot Kalu’s gov ambition adds twist*
The 2027 governorship race is another fault line.
Orji Kalu is backing his younger brother, Mascot Kalu, who has declared interest in the race.
Mascot did not challenge Otti in 2023.
Benjamin Kalu denied nursing any governorship ambition but told reporters, “Pray I don’t come out.” He has publicly invited Otti to join the APC.
*‘No faction in Abia APC’*
Despite trading claims on verified Facebook pages over meetings and ward control, both leaders insist there is no rift.
“I have no problem with the Deputy Speaker… every action of the deputy speaker, especially during the recent party congresses, was done in consultation with me and in the best interest of the party,” Orji Kalu said.
“APC is one in Abia State. There is no faction,” he added.
Benjamin Kalu also said, “There is no individual who owns APC, not even Tinubu,” adding that the party would “leverage Orji’s wealth of experience.”
*Three issues driving the feud*
Party insiders say the dispute revolves around three issues:
First, control of the 2027 governorship ticket. Orji Kalu wants Mascot Kalu as candidate, while the Deputy Speaker seeks to emerge as state leader and kingmaker.
Second, the Otti factor. Ben Kalu wants the governor in APC. Orji Kalu insists the party can win without him.
Third, party machinery. Both camps have clashed online over who convened meetings and who President Tinubu recognises as Abia APC leader.
State APC Chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, has called for calm.
He said a reconciliation committee would meet next week in Umuahia.
