Ben Kalu outsmarts Orji Kalu as Deputy Speaker’s ally emerges APC chairman in Abia

The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Chijioke Chukwu as state chairman and Chidi Avajah as secretary.

The election took place during the party’s state congress held on Tuesday in Umuahia.

Chukwu, a former minority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, is regarded as an ally of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Other officials elected include Emeka Okoroafor as state organising secretary, Uche Aguoru as publicity secretary, and Ezinne Udo Udoma as deputy treasurer.

The new executives emerged through a consensus arrangement described by party leaders as a unity list.

Emmanuel Go’ar, chairman of the congress committee from the National Working Committee (NWC) and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, supervised the exercise.

Go’ar described the consensus process as a “manifestation of peaceful resolutions”.

Donatus Nwankpa, APC national welfare officer, said the party in Abia is not in alliance with any individual or political party ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said the party remains united and prepared to contest elections at all levels in the state.

In his acceptance speech, Chukwu pledged to work towards uniting members of the party.

“I’ll reconcile all aggrieved members, pushing for a formidable APC in Abia,” he said.

He added that elections are won through grassroots mobilisation and not on social media platforms.

The congress was attended by Kalu and other party chieftains, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stayed away.