The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State on Sunday held what it described as a Stakeholders’ Pre-Congress, during which it unanimously declared President Bola Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

At the meeting, stakeholders also unanimously adopted the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as the Abia State leader of the party. The motion was moved by former senator, Dr. Nkechi Nwaogu, and was unanimously endorsed by party stakeholders.

Reacting, Deputy Speaker Kalu accepted the role, pledging to lead the Abia APC with unity and peace towards electoral victories.

He explained that his acceptance was informed by the absence of a sitting APC governor in the state to naturally lead the party, and the failure of the next highest-ranking political office holder to assume that responsibility due to consistent absence from party activities.

Addressing the gathering at his residence in Bende, Kalu commended the party’s ongoing membership registration exercise, describing it as successful and impactful. He disclosed that APC membership in Abia State has grown to over 160,000 and is still increasing.

According to him, the surge in membership has dispelled claims that the APC lacks visibility in Abia State, adding that the party is now positioned to secure no fewer than 25 per cent of the votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

As preparations begin for the election of party executives at ward, local government and state levels—starting with the ward congresses scheduled for Wednesday—Kalu said he had already secured nomination forms for immediate distribution to aspirants, stressing that completed forms must be returned on the spot.

He added that elected executives emerging from the congresses would be formally inaugurated at the ward, local government and state levels.

Emphasising party unity, Kalu stated that the mandate of all elected executives would be to work towards securing a second term for President Tinubu. He reiterated that there are no factions within the Abia APC, warning that anyone promoting factionalism “is not and cannot be a member of the party.”