APC Defends Abia Primaries as Mascot Kalu Withdraws from Governorship Race

APC Defends Abia Primaries as Mascot Kalu Withdraws from Governorship Race

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chijioke Chukwu, has defended the conduct of the party’s primary elections following the withdrawal of one of the governorship aspirants, Mascot Uzor Kalu, from the race ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia amid reactions trailing the primaries, Chukwu said the withdrawal of Kalu was voluntary and made in the interest of party unity and progress.

The APC chairman dismissed allegations surrounding the conduct of the primaries, insisting that only the officially designated returning officer had the authority to announce election results.

According to him, reports suggesting otherwise may have resulted from a misunderstanding of internal party communications.

Chukwu disclosed that the party had already concluded plans to establish a peace and reconciliation committee after the primaries to engage aggrieved aspirants and members in order to sustain unity within the party.

He acknowledged that not every aspirant could emerge victorious, noting that the party considered factors such as popularity, zoning, loyalty, financial capacity, and overall party interest in selecting candidates.

“We are not just looking for candidates who are sellable and marketable; we are also considering capacity, loyalty, equity, and the overall interest of the party,” he stated.

The chairman further assured loyal party members that the APC would continue to reward commitment and dedication through appointments, inclusion in party structures, and other opportunities within government.

Chukwu also maintained that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to strengthening the APC in Abia State and positioning the party for victories across all levels in the 2027 elections.

He added that the party leadership was considering measures to cushion the financial burden on aspirants who lost during the primaries.