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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has declared war on what it described as “anti-party activities” within its ranks, threatening disciplinary action against former governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and lawmaker Chris Nkwonta over their reported support for Labour Party Governor Alex Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The party’s State Working Committee (SWC), at a meeting on Monday, August 10, 2026, condemned statements attributed to Kalu and Nkwonta, accusing the two APC leaders of undermining the party’s electoral prospects in the state.
The development signals an escalation of internal tensions within the Abia APC as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The SWC was particularly angered by a reported statement by Kalu during a television interview that Governor Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.
The party also cited a public declaration by Nkwonta, allegedly made in the presence of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, that he would vote for Otti, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Labour Party.
According to the Abia APC leadership, such declarations by prominent members could demoralise party supporters and weaken its preparations to challenge the Labour Party in 2027.
The SWC described the statements as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical” to the unity and electoral prospects of the APC in the state.
It further characterised the conduct as “internal sabotage and anti-party activity,” arguing that neither Kalu nor Nkwonta was above the constitution and rules of the APC.
The party specifically cited Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, 2022, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose conduct is considered inimical to the party or amounts to indiscipline and disloyalty.
As part of its resolutions, the SWC demanded that Kalu and Nkwonta publicly apologise to the APC, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia.
The party said the apology must reaffirm their commitment to the APC, its constitution and the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections, particularly its governorship candidate.
The communiqué contained conflicting timelines, initially demanding an apology within 14 days before later referring to a seven-day deadline for compliance.
The APC warned that failure to apologise within the stipulated period would lead to the constitution of a disciplinary committee to investigate the statements and recommend appropriate sanctions.
It further resolved that, if found liable, the two men could face disciplinary measures prescribed by the party’s constitution, including withdrawal of political support and privileges.
The confrontation is significant because Kalu is a former governor of Abia State and a prominent figure within the APC, while Nkwonta is also regarded as an influential member of the party in the state.
The Abia APC insisted, however, that the stature of individual members would not prevent the party from enforcing its rules.
“The APC is bigger than any individual, regardless of his or her political stature,” the SWC said, stressing that political leaders were expected to uphold party decisions and defend its interests.
The party said it was focused on consolidating its structures across the 184 wards of Abia State and preparing for the 2027 elections.
It urged members and supporters to remain calm and united, while vowing to use its internal disciplinary mechanisms to protect the party’s cohesion.
The latest development comes as Governor Otti and the Labour Party continue to strengthen their political position in Abia, while the APC and other opposition parties seek to build a formidable challenge ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
For the Abia APC, the public positions attributed to Kalu and Nkwonta have now transformed what could have remained an internal political disagreement into an open party disciplinary confrontation.
