The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has withdrawn the 14-day ultimatum issued to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and House of Representatives member Chris Nkwonta over comments the party had described as anti-party.
The decision was taken at a stakeholders’ meeting at the APC secretariat in Umuahia on Sunday as party leaders sought to resolve the disagreement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party had previously demanded public apologies from Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, and Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency, following remarks interpreted as support for Labour Party Governor Alex Otti’s bid for another term.
Why the APC issued the ultimatum
The controversy followed statements attributed to the two APC leaders concerning the 2027 governorship election in Abia.
The party’s State Working Committee had alleged that Kalu said during a television interview that Otti would win the 2027 governorship election.
Nkwonta was also accused of saying at an event attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu that he would vote for Otti in the election.
At its August 10 meeting, the SWC described the remarks as damaging to the party’s unity and electoral prospects and subsequently issued the 14-day ultimatum.
APC leaders agree to move past dispute
Speaking at Sunday’s stakeholders’ meeting, Abia APC Chairman Chijioke Chukwu said party leaders had engaged Kalu and Nkwonta privately and received explanations for their actions.
According to Chukwu, the two leaders told the party that their statements were not intended to undermine the APC but were linked to concerns over how certain matters had been handled.
He said the SWC had two choices: review its earlier decision or allow stakeholders to formally move a motion seeking a reversal.
The party opted for the latter approach, with stakeholders moving for an unconditional pardon.
Chukwu said the decision was intended to preserve the authority of the party while also preventing the disagreement from creating deeper divisions among its leaders.
“We have listened to them privately, not publicly, because they are leaders, and they have reached out to us,” Chukwu said.
He added that the explanations received indicated that the remarks “were not made in good faith.”
Party prioritises 2027 unity
Moving the motion for the unconditional pardon, APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Uzor Azubuike, said reconciliation was necessary to keep the party united.
He argued that both committed members and those who had made mistakes should remain within the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
The withdrawal of the ultimatum effectively brings the immediate dispute between the Abia APC leadership and the two lawmakers to an end, with the party now turning its attention to strengthening its structure ahead of the next general election.
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