Political tensions are beginning to build within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State following the endorsement of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as a preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement, which took place during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia on Sunday, has already sparked internal disagreements, with the camp of Mascot Kalu—another prominent aspirant swiftly rejecting the move.
The gathering brought together influential party figures from across Abia’s three senatorial zones and all 17 Local Government Areas, underscoring the weight behind the decision. Many attendees described the meeting as a strategic step toward repositioning the APC ahead of the 2027 polls, particularly in a state where the party is keen to expand its political influence.
During deliberations, several party leaders reportedly urged Benjamin Kalu to formally declare his intention to run for governor, arguing that he possesses the political clout, legislative experience, and national visibility needed to mount a strong challenge in the election.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted Kalu’s role at the national level as Deputy Speaker, noting that his position has not only elevated Abia’s profile but also positioned him as a bridge between the state and the federal government. According to them, such leverage could translate into developmental benefits and electoral advantage.
“There is a need for a candidate who can win,” one stakeholder was said to have remarked, capturing the prevailing sentiment at the meeting. “The party must rally around a credible figure with both grassroots support and national reach.”
However, the endorsement has not gone unchallenged.
Almost immediately after the announcement, allies of Mascot Kalu voiced strong opposition, describing the move as premature and exclusionary. They argued that endorsing a candidate this early undermines internal democracy and sidelines other aspirants who have also shown interest in the race.
Sources within Mascot Kalu’s camp suggested that the endorsement could deepen divisions within the party if not properly managed. They insisted that any decision on the party’s flagbearer should emerge from a transparent and competitive primary process rather than what they termed a “selective consensus.”
The development has exposed underlying rivalries within the Abia APC, with observers warning that unresolved disputes could weaken the party’s chances in 2027. Political analysts note that while early endorsements can help build momentum, they can also alienate key stakeholders if perceived as unfair.
Despite the backlash, supporters of Benjamin Kalu maintain that the endorsement reflects the collective will of a broad spectrum of party leaders and grassroots representatives. They argue that the meeting was inclusive and that the decision was driven by a genuine desire to present a formidable candidate capable of reclaiming the state for the APC.
For now, Benjamin Kalu himself has yet to make an official declaration regarding his governorship ambition. His silence has only fueled speculation, with many watching closely to see whether he will heed the calls of party stakeholders or adopt a more cautious approach amid the growing controversy.
As the countdown to 2027 gradually begins, the situation in Abia serves as an early indication of the political battles ahead, not just between parties, but within them. Whether the APC can navigate its internal divisions and present a united front may ultimately determine its prospects in the race for the state’s top seat.
