Abia APC Rejects Labour Party Allegations of Division
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly denied claims of internal crisis, dismissing suggestions that the party is fractured ahead of the 2027 general elections. The denial comes in response to a statement from the Labour Party (LP) in the state, which urged the APC to contain its alleged internal disagreements.
In a statement signed by Uche Aguoru, the APC's spokesperson in Abia, the party asserted that it remains united and focused on winning the 2027 elections. The statement described the Labour Party as “evidently terrified of facing a vibrant opposition at the ballot box.”
Background: Labour Party's Accusations and APC's Primaries
The Labour Party, through its publicity secretary Iroegbu Emenike, had earlier called on the APC to ensure its internal “governorship tussle” does not threaten peace in Abia. This followed the APC's declaration of Eric Opah as its 2027 gubernatorial candidate. According to APC, Opah won the primary with 125,977 votes, defeating his closest rival who secured only 5,905 votes.
The APC dismissed the LP's characterization, stating that differing opinions are normal in a democratic party and should not be mistaken for division. “The APC remains a party that accommodates diverse opinions, choices, freedom of expression, and healthy competition among its members,” the statement read.
APC Challenges LP on Governance
The APC turned the tables on the Labour Party, challenging it to address “the growing concerns of Abians regarding poor governance rather than obsessing over the affairs of the APC.” The party also targeted Governor Alex Otti, accusing him of feigning support for President Bola Tinubu's administration while secretly undermining it.
“No reasonable Nigerian will compare a factionalized party whose authenticity is yet to be settled by the Supreme Court with a stable, united, strong, functional, and well-organized party like the APC,” Aguoru added, referring to ongoing legal disputes within the LP.
Unity Under Deputy Speaker Kalu
The APC emphasized that it is firmly under the leadership of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. “Under his watch, the party has grown stronger and larger than ever, and we are more determined than ever to provide the people of Abia State with the credible leadership they deserve,” the statement said.
The party outlined its electoral ambitions for 2027, including winning all three Senate seats, eight House of Representatives positions, 24 House of Assembly seats, and installing Dr. Eric Opah as governor.
Earlier Reactions and Broader Context
Prior to this exchange, the Abia APC had called out Governor Alex Otti over his political loyalty, accusing him of pretending to support the federal government while working against it. The party also sent a message to candidates who lost during its primaries, urging unity.
The APC's robust response underscores the intensifying political battle in Abia State as the 2027 elections approach, with both parties trading accusations and asserting their strengths.
