The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chris Nkwonta 14 days to publicly apologise over comments the party considers damaging to its interests.
The ultimatum was issued by the party’s State Working Committee, led by Chijioke Chukwu, after a meeting held in Umuahia on Wednesday.
The development followed separate public comments by Kalu and Nkwonta indicating support for Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Kalu had said during a television appearance that Otti would win re-election in 2027. Nkwonta, meanwhile, reportedly expressed his intention to vote for the governor while speaking at a reception held in Ukwa East for the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The APC leadership in Abia described the remarks as unstatesmanlike and damaging to the party’s unity and preparations for the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the State Working Committee said the comments were unacceptable and could negatively affect the APC’s electoral prospects in the state.
The party said such conduct violated Article 21.2(11) of its constitution, which provides grounds for disciplinary action against members whose actions are considered detrimental to the party.
The SWC therefore directed both lawmakers to issue unreserved public apologies within 14 days and reaffirm their commitment to the APC, its leadership and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in the establishment of a disciplinary committee, which would be tasked with recommending appropriate sanctions.
The Abia APC said it remained focused on maintaining unity within its ranks and securing the governorship as well as all legislative seats in the state during the 2027 general elections.