The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chris Nkwonta 14 days to publicly apologise for comments the party says undermine its unity and electoral plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ultimatum was issued by the party’s State Working Committee, chaired by Chijioke Chukwu, following a meeting in Umuahia on Wednesday.
The dispute centres on separate comments by the two lawmakers regarding Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party. Kalu had said during a national television appearance that Otti was likely to win re-election in 2027, while Nkwonta publicly declared his intention to vote for the governor at a reception for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Ukwa East.
The Abia APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, described the remarks as “unstatesmanlike” and damaging to the party’s unity and electoral prospects. The party said members holding such positions risk weakening the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.
The State Working Committee said the conduct breached Article 21.2(11) of the APC Constitution, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose actions are considered harmful to the interests of the party.
The party has therefore demanded unreserved public apologies from both lawmakers within 14 days. It said the apologies must demonstrate their continued commitment to the APC and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Abia APC warned that failure to comply with the directive would trigger the establishment of a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter and recommend appropriate sanctions against the two lawmakers.
The development highlights growing political tensions within the APC in Abia as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 governorship and legislative elections. The state chapter said it remained focused on winning the governorship and all legislative seats in the state.
