APC Defends Abia Primaries as Mascot Kalu Withdraws from Governorship Race

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has defended the conduct of the party’s primary elections, insisting that the exercise was carried out in strict compliance with the party’s constitution, guidelines, and the provisions of the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with newsmen on Thursday at the party secretariat in Umuahia, Chukwu dismissed controversies surrounding the primaries, including the withdrawal of one of the governorship aspirants, Mascot Uzor Kalu, from the race.

According to him, Kalu’s withdrawal was voluntary and made in the interest of party unity and progress.

“For the governorship primaries, we had three aspirants Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Chief Eric Opah, and Mascot Uzor Kalu. Prior to the exercise, Mascot Uzor Kalu voluntarily withdrew from the race,” Chukwu said.

“He was neither compelled nor persuaded. He may have listened to the voice of reason and felt there was no need to alter the zoning arrangement.

Since his elder brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has already emerged as the APC candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, he probably considered it unnecessary for both of them to pursue different offices at the same time.”

The APC chairman said the party had commenced collation of results from the governorship primary and assured that official declarations would be concluded before the end of the day.

“From 8 p.m., we will begin handing over certificates of return to winners of the House of Representatives, Senate, and State House of Assembly primaries,” he stated.

Chukwu also clarified reports alleging that the APC National Working Committee directed that results should not be announced at the state level, stressing that only duly designated returning officers had the authority to declare results.

“It is the responsibility of returning officers to announce results at the constituency, senatorial district, and governorship levels.

Members of the primaries committee only collate and document the results,” he explained.
“I believe some persons misunderstood the intent of the communication and interpreted it out of context.”

On security during the exercise, Chukwu commended security agencies for maintaining order across the state, noting that the primaries were largely peaceful.

“There were no major incidents of violence apart from minor disagreements in a few areas, which security operatives handled professionally,” he said.

He also praised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for monitoring the exercise from ward to state levels, adding that the party fully complied with all electoral requirements.

The APC chairman further disclosed that the party had concluded arrangements to establish a Peace and Reconciliation Committee aimed at engaging aggrieved aspirants and members after the primaries.

“We know everybody cannot emerge victorious at the same time. Elections naturally produce winners and losers, but tomorrow offers another opportunity,” he said.

“We have already put measures in place to ensure that no member leaves the party because of the outcome of the primaries. APC has a robust reward system. Loyalty, commitment, capacity, equity, popularity, and the overall interest of the party are factors we consider.”

Chukwu added that the party leadership was considering ways to cushion the financial burden on unsuccessful aspirants, while assuring loyal members that dedication to the APC would continue to attract appointments, inclusion in party structures, and other opportunities.

He further maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to strengthening the APC in Abia State and positioning the party for electoral victories at all levels in 2027.