Abia APC crisis deepens as Orji Kalu, Benjamin Kalu clash over 2027 governorship race

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing fresh internal tension as two prominent federal lawmakers from the state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, and Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, clash over the party’s leadership direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disagreement is largely rooted in the governorship ambition of Benjamin Kalu, who is reportedly eyeing the APC ticket, while Orji Kalu is backing his younger brother, Mascot Uzor Kalu, to emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

The development has intensified political realignments within the party in Abia State, raising questions over unity and strategy as preparations for 2027 gather momentum.

In a post on his Facebook page on Monday, Orji Uzor Kalu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he had been given responsibility to coordinate APC activities in Abia State.

Bola Tinubu and Orji Uzor Kalu

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he wrote.

He added that he would work with stakeholders to ensure the emergence of “widely acceptable” candidates capable of delivering victory for the party in the state and supporting the President’s re-election bid.

In a contrasting post also shared on Monday, Benjamin Kalu thanked President Tinubu for what he described as a structured approach to party management in the states, noting that high-ranking officials like the Deputy Speaker were expected to oversee party affairs in Abia.

Bola Tinubu and Benjamin Kalu

“Thank you, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for insisting that governors should handle the issues of the party in the states with APC governors, while the highest-ranking political office holders like the Deputy Speaker take care of the affairs in Abia State,” he wrote.

He added that the arrangement had strengthened internal unity and positioned the party for electoral success in the state.

“We are ready to win elections in Abia State for you and for everyone who has an interest to contest under our party,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has formally endorsed his younger brother, Mascot Uzor Kalu, for the 2027 governorship race under the APC platform.

Mascot Uzor Kalu, a former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor and former governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP), has already declared interest in the race.

Orji Kalu, who previously expressed support for Governor Alex Otti, has now shifted position, insisting that the APC must reclaim Abia State in 2027. He has also described Otti as a “one-term governor,” accusing his administration of poor performance and financial mismanagement.

He further pledged to embark on a door-to-door campaign to ensure APC victory in the next governorship election.

However, supporters of Governor Otti have dismissed the criticism as political desperation, insisting that the Labour Party-led administration remains confident of re-election based on its performance.

The emerging rift between both camps is expected to shape the APC’s internal power struggle in Abia State as political preparations for 2027 intensify.