Struggle for APC Leadership in Abia Intensifies with OUK’s Vice-Chairman Position
The political landscape in Abia State is heating up as tensions grow over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This comes amid allegations that certain senators may be pre-approved for automatic return tickets for the upcoming 2027 elections. So far, the Senate has chosen to remain silent on these claims despite increasing political scrutiny.
Reports suggest that President Bola Tinubu has allegedly granted automatic tickets to select lawmakers, a list that reportedly includes Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. According to sources, some lawmakers have been financially compensated to “stabilize” the legislative body beginning this year.
The issue was brought to light during a recent meeting between Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, known as Kauran Gwandu, and various political stakeholders in the state. This revelation follows claims that the president had rescinded plans for automatic tickets for lawmakers seeking to retain their congressional seats in 2027.
Idris indicated that senators expected to receive these automatic tickets include Adamu Ariello (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and several others. He argued that these lawmakers have demonstrated effective leadership by fostering collaboration with the executive branch, which has led to the successful passage of crucial policies and reforms.
Despite these assertions, there has been no official confirmation from either the President’s Office or the APC regarding these allegations, contributing to the ongoing uncertainty. Efforts to get formal responses from Senate leadership have also been met with silence, leaving questions surrounding the arrangement unanswered.
Simultaneously, this political intrigue coincides with a burgeoning leadership conflict within the APC in Abia, featuring Orji Uzor Kalu, the senator for Abia North, and Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Both figures have recently claimed that they have the backing of President Tinubu to oversee party operations in the state.
Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu took to social media to express his gratitude to President Tinubu for his trust and directives regarding the coordination of APC activities in Abia. Kalu emphasized his commitment to aligning the party’s efforts with the needs of the state and ensuring that APC candidates for the 2027 elections are well-positioned to succeed.
The vice chairman further elaborated that a directive from the president during a Friday meeting stipulates that in states lacking APC governors, the most senior political official, such as the vice chairman, is meant to lead the party organization. Kalu reiterated his appreciation to Tinubu for his recognition and support in this pivotal role.
