A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Agwu Emeaba, has cautioned that the party risks internal crisis following the early endorsement of a governorship aspirant for the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued in Umuahia, Emeaba warned that the move could deepen divisions within the party and undermine its chances at the polls if not properly addressed.
The controversy stems from the recent endorsement of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, by some party stakeholders across Abia’s three senatorial districts.
Emeaba argued that endorsing a candidate without allowing for a transparent and competitive process excludes other aspirants and creates unnecessary tension within the party.
He said the development has further exposed existing cracks in the Abia APC, raising concerns about party unity ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
According to him, the focus should not only be on the candidate’s national visibility but also on their ability to unify party members and strengthen its grassroots structure.
Emeaba also criticised what he described as a lack of inclusive consultations, alleging that key stakeholders, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and other aspirants, were sidelined in the process.
He warned that such actions could weaken the party’s internal cohesion and reduce its electoral strength.
The APC chieftain urged the party’s State Working Committee to intervene promptly and ensure a fair and inclusive selection process.
He suggested that alternative aspirants, including businessman Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu and former Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Chief Henry Ikoh, should be given equal opportunity to contest.
Meanwhile, Mascot Kalu has openly rejected the endorsement of Benjamin Kalu, describing any consensus arrangement that excludes other aspirants as invalid.
In a separate statement, he declared that any attempt to impose a candidate without due process would be resisted by party members.
The unfolding situation highlights growing tensions within the Abia APC as the party prepares for the 2027 election cycle.
