Kalu Applauds Success of Abia APC Ward, LG Congresses

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for conducting rancour-free and successful ward and local government congresses in Abia State.

Speaking in Umuahia on Saturday while giving a final appraisal of the recent exercise, Kalu attributed the success of the congresses to the inclusive nature of the process, noting that it is attracting new members to the party.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said the new approach has given the people a sense of belonging and has effectively returned the party to its members.

Kalu expressed gratitude to the Congress Committee, stakeholders, and APC leaders at all levels for their commitment to uniting party members.

He urged them to continue working together towards victory in the 2027 elections and beyond.
He said:

“This shows that we practice what we preach, unity, peace, and inclusivity. United we stand, divided we fall. It has never been this good since 2014. We have matured and realized there is no need for conflict. We have returned the party to the people, and they have shown their appreciation.

“There is an upward surge into our party because people now feel important and relevant. We insisted that the congress should unite us. People are seeing their nominees on the list, instead of one person sitting at home and nominating for the entire state.”

Kalu added that he deliberately remained in his own ward and local government during the congresses because he trusted leaders across the state to produce credible executives:

“Since we don’t have a deficit of trust, unity and mutual respect will flourish. We are united. There are no factions in Abia.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the APC Ward and Local Government Congresses in Abia State, Hon. Emmanuel Go’ar, praised party members for their peaceful conduct.
He commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating exemplary leadership:

“If I were a teacher, I would score the success of these congresses as excellent. Excellence comes from hard work, and the ground handlers, the local organising committees down to the ward level, have done an outstanding job.

“I expected the Deputy Speaker to be moving around for supervision, but to my surprise, he stayed back in his ward as if under house arrest. When I asked why, he said he would work with anyone elected and had no need to influence decisions. I give him high commendation.”

Go’ar added that the national chairman has been receiving interim reports and expressed confidence that Abia will maintain its momentum in the state congress.

Also speaking, the National Welfare Secretary of the party, Donatus Nwankpa, hailed the prevailing unity in Abia APC and the success of the congresses.
He said:

“This is a remarkable turning point in our political history. The calmness, understanding, and willingness of our people to step aside for others reflects a new brand of leadership built on collective decision-making. Consultations and discussions brought everyone together at a synchronized and synthesized level.

“We thank the Deputy Speaker, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejiocha, and all our leaders for their support. This process has been inclusive.”

Nwankpa noted that the party aims for overwhelming victory in 2027 at both the state and federal levels, assuring that the APC will deliver for the President and its candidates across the board.

Similarly, the Chairman of the 7-man Local Organising Committee, Marc Wabara, represented by former governorship candidate Dr. Ayim Nyerere, said a new APC has emerged in Abia.
He said:

“Since the inception of APC, we have not had it this good. Our congresses were previously marked by violence, but what we witnessed in the last two days reflects the quality of leadership now steering the party in Abia.

“The ward and local government congresses were rancour-free, proving that a new Abia APC has evolved. This sends a strong message that come 2027, our President, Ahmed Tinubu, will be returned. It is a new political dawn in Abia State.”

He concluded that the events on the field reflect the new political direction in the state and praised the Deputy Speaker for his role in repositioning the party.