As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political activity in Abia State is intensifying, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where fervent lobbying is underway for the party’s sought-after gubernatorial ticket.
While several aspirants have publicly declared their intentions to lead the state, many others are discreetly engaging in high-level discussions and forming alliances to secure advantageous positions ahead of the elections.
According to findings, significant political currents are evident in Abia North Senatorial District, where the APC is reportedly contemplating zoning its gubernatorial ticket as a strategic move to challenge the incumbent, Governor Alex Otti, who is currently in his first term.
Amid this backdrop of political jockeying, some leaders from the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc—comprising the old Aba region—recently urged the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to enter the 2027 race to “rescue” the state from what they termed “unfulfilled promises” under the current administration.
During a courtesy visit to Rt Hon. Kalu in Umuahia, former Commissioner Mr Godwin Nna conveyed his confidence that the APC is well-positioned to reclaim power from the Labour Party-led government in 2027.
In response, the Ukwa la Ngwa Youth Council quickly distanced itself from the endorsement, labelling it “mischievous, divisive, and unrepresentative of the collective aspirations of the Ukwa la Ngwa people of the old Aba Division.”
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Okechukwu Charles, the youth organisation denounced the advocacy led by Elder Godwin Nna and his supporters as “a deceitful movement that contradicts the longstanding principles of equity, fairness, and political inclusion in Abia State.”
Although Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu has yet to formally announce his candidacy for the gubernatorial election, sources suggest that his political influence and support base are expanding across all 17 local government areas of the state.
A senior APC figure, who requested anonymity, revealed that besides the Deputy Speaker, two prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and a former governorship candidate are actively engaging with stakeholders nationwide in pursuit of the party’s ticket.
“APC will likely zone the governorship to Abia North. We already have two SANs involved in extensive consultations, a former governorship candidate in the mix, and another influential politician eyeing the ambition. Unlike before, the APC in Abia is now more united. There’s a stronger sense of direction, and once our congress is concluded, several heavyweight politicians are expected to officially join the party. Then, the true face of APC in Abia will emerge, and we anticipate a formidable coalition of aspirants,” the source stated.
Regarding the potential return of Chief Ikechi Emenike, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, the source indicated that it is unlikely he will seek the party’s gubernatorial ticket once more.
“Chief Emenike may instead pursue the Abia Central Senatorial seat. However, we understand that Chief Emeka Atuma and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu are also considering the same seat, with some stakeholders reportedly encouraging him to opt for the Senate.
“Similarly, in Abia South, there is talk of persuading Rep Chris Nkwonta to contest the Senate seat under the APC banner to challenge Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who may run under the Labour Party. I’m also aware that discussions are ongoing to entice Engr Chinedu Onyeizu into the APC as a fallback candidate should Hon. Nkwonta decline the Senate bid,” he added.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, Abia State is poised for a challenging yet engaging lead-up to 2027, with new alliances forming and familiar figures re-emerging in the quest for power.
