The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has withdrawn its earlier threat to sanction former Governor of the state and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, over alleged anti-party comments.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at the party’s new secretariat on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, about two weeks after the State Working Committee (SWC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the two lawmakers.
The ultimatum had directed Kalu and Nkwonta to publicly apologise over comments allegedly interpreted as support for the re-election of Labour Party Governor, Alex Otti, in the 2027 governorship election.
Although neither lawmaker publicly tendered the demanded apology within the stipulated period, the state leadership opted to resolve the matter through reconciliation rather than proceed with disciplinary action.
The SWC, at its August 10 meeting, had accused the lawmakers of conduct allegedly inimical to the interests of the party and contrary to Article 21.2 (11) of the APC Constitution, which provides for disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is considered detrimental to the party.
The lawmakers were subsequently directed to apologise to the party, its leadership, members and supporters in Abia and reaffirm their commitment to the APC, its constitution and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
At Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, however, State Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, stressed the importance of rebuilding unity within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chukwu acknowledged that the party’s recent primaries and congresses had generated disagreements and dissatisfaction among members.
“If there is anybody that should be blamed, I take responsibility first before members of the State Working Committee,” he said.
The chairman urged members to move beyond past disagreements and channel future grievances through established party structures rather than the media.
According to the resolution of the meeting, Kalu and Nkwonta had privately engaged the party leadership and explained that their comments were not intended to undermine the APC.
A motion seeking to bring the matter to an end was moved by the APC candidate for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Uzor Azubuike, and seconded by Emmanuel Ndubisi, who represents Bende South in the Abia State House of Assembly.
The motion was adopted by voice vote, effectively ending the immediate threat of disciplinary action against the two lawmakers and other members involved in disputes arising from previous party activities.
Chukwu, however, clarified that the resolution did not prevent legitimate reviews of other matters by the appropriate party authorities, stressing that future violations of the party’s constitution and guidelines would attract sanctions.
The development comes as the Abia APC seeks to close ranks and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections following disagreements arising from its primaries, congresses and other political activities.
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