Fresh political tension appears to be brewing within the All Progressives Congress in Abia State following separate public statements by two leading figures of the party, Orji Uzor Kalu and Benjamin Kalu, both interpreted as asserting influence over the structure of the party in the state.
The development comes after what was described as a recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on party coordination across states.
In one of the statements, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and the instruction to coordinate party activities in Abia State.
He stated that, as the most senior governor from the state, he would work with stakeholders to ensure that the APC fields acceptable candidates capable of winning elections and supporting the President’s re-election bid.
Kalu further said his efforts would be geared toward producing a united party structure that would serve the interests of both Abia State and Nigeria.
However, in a separate statement, Benjamin Kalu also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining what he described as an established model in which governors manage party affairs in APC-controlled states, while the highest-ranking political office holders coordinate matters in states without APC governors, including Abia State.
Benjamin Kalu said the arrangement had previously delivered success during ward, local government, and state congresses, adding that the party in Abia had never been more united and prepared for electoral victory.
He expressed confidence that the APC would secure overwhelming votes in the state and pledged continued collaboration with all stakeholders.
Political observers say the two statements have exposed an underlying struggle for supremacy within the Abia APC, with both men seen as influential power blocs ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 general elections.
While Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is a former governor and longstanding figure in Abia politics, Benjamin Kalu has in recent years emerged as a major force in the party through his national office and grassroots mobilization.
Party members fear that if not carefully managed, the rivalry could deepen internal divisions at a time the APC is seeking to expand its influence in Abia State, where it remains in opposition.
As of the time of filing this report, no official clarification had been issued by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress regarding who has the formal mandate to lead party coordination in the state.
