Abia APC Lifts Ultimatum on Kalu, Nkwonta Over Alleged Anti-Party Remarks
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has lifted the ultimatum issued to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Chris Nkwonta over comments the party had described as anti-party and supportive of Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The decision was reached on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in Umuahia.
The development brings an end to the immediate dispute between the Abia APC leadership and the two federal lawmakers, as the party seeks to unite its members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Why Abia APC Issued the Ultimatum
The Abia APC State Working Committee had, on August 10, condemned statements attributed to Kalu and Nkwonta concerning Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party.
The party alleged that Kalu had said during a television interview that Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.
Nkwonta was also accused of saying, during an event attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Ukwa East, that he would vote for Otti in the 2027 election.
The APC described the comments as damaging to party unity and its electoral ambitions in Abia. It subsequently directed the two lawmakers to issue public apologies within 14 days and warned that failure to comply could lead to disciplinary proceedings.
Why the Party Changed Its Position
Speaking at Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, Abia APC Chairman Chijioke Chukwu said the party had privately engaged Kalu and Nkwonta over the matter.
According to Chukwu, the two politicians explained the circumstances surrounding their statements and assured the party that their actions were not intended to undermine the APC.
He said the State Working Committee had the option of reviewing its earlier decision or allowing party stakeholders to formally move a motion to revise it.
The stakeholders chose the latter option.
Chukwu explained that the decision was intended to preserve the authority of the party’s organs while also allowing the grievances to be resolved.
He said the party had listened to the explanations provided by the two lawmakers and accepted that the statements were not made with the intention of destroying the APC.
APC Grants Unconditional Pardon
The motion for an unconditional pardon was moved by Uzor Azubuike, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency.
The motion was adopted by the stakeholders, effectively lifting the ultimatum against Kalu, Nkwonta and other affected party members.
The decision is part of the party’s broader effort to strengthen internal unity as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
The Abia APC has maintained that it wants its members to remain united as it prepares to challenge the Labour Party in the state’s 2027 governorship contest.
What Happens Next?
The lifting of the ultimatum removes the immediate disciplinary threat hanging over Kalu and Nkwonta.
However, the reconciliation also highlights the political tensions that can emerge within parties as major elections approach.
The Abia APC will now have to balance the influence of its prominent political leaders with its efforts to maintain a unified position ahead of the 2027 election.
For Kalu and Nkwonta, the decision allows them to remain within the party without the immediate disciplinary action that had been threatened when the ultimatum was issued.
