The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has withdrawn its earlier threat to sanction former Abia State Governor and Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, over alleged anti-party comments.
The decision was reached on Sunday during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s newly opened secretariat on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia.
The development comes about two weeks after the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to Kalu and Nkwonta, asking them to publicly apologise over comments reportedly interpreted as support for the re-election of Labour Party Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 governorship election.
Although the two lawmakers did not publicly issue the requested apologies within the stipulated period, the APC leadership decided against immediately commencing disciplinary proceedings. Instead, the party opted for dialogue and reconciliation, effectively bringing the matter to a close.
At its August 10 meeting, the SWC had accused the lawmakers of conduct allegedly inconsistent with the interests of the APC and cited Article 21.2 (11) of the party’s Constitution, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose actions are considered detrimental to the party.
Kalu and Nkwonta were consequently directed to apologise publicly to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia, while reaffirming their commitment to the party, its constitution and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The SWC had also warned that failure to comply could lead to the formation of a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations and make recommendations to the relevant party organs.
However, the party’s position changed during Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, where Abia APC Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, emphasised the importance of unity and reconciliation as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Chukwu acknowledged that the party’s recent primaries and congresses had generated grievances and disagreements among members. He also accepted responsibility for some of the challenges confronting the party.
“If there is anybody that should be blamed, I take responsibility first before members of the State Working Committee,” Chukwu said.
The APC chairman urged members to move beyond their differences and work together to strengthen the party’s structure and electoral prospects in Abia.
He further advised aggrieved members to use the party’s established internal mechanisms to address their concerns rather than taking internal disputes to the media.
Addressing the controversy involving Kalu and Nkwonta, Chukwu disclosed that both lawmakers had privately engaged with the party leadership and explained that their comments were not intended to undermine the APC.
Following the discussions, stakeholders adopted a motion to formally end the matter.
The motion was moved by the APC candidate for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, and seconded by Hon. Emmanuel Ndubisi, representing Bende South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.
The motion was subsequently adopted by voice vote, bringing an immediate end to the threatened disciplinary action against Kalu and Nkwonta, as well as other members whose actions had been linked to disagreements arising from previous party activities.
Chukwu, however, stressed that the resolution does not prevent the appropriate APC organs from considering other legitimate complaints or alleged breaches of the party’s constitution.
He warned that any future violation of the APC Constitution, rules or guidelines would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.
The latest decision signals an attempt by the Abia APC leadership to rebuild internal unity, resolve lingering grievances and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The stakeholders’ meeting also coincided with the birthday celebration of Chijioke Chukwu, which was marked by APC leaders and members at the party’s new secretariat in Umuahia.
