Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and other party members have hailed the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) ward and local government congresses in Abia State as successful, peaceful, and free of rancour.

Speaking independently over the weekend, they attributed the smooth conduct of the congresses to an inclusive approach that, according to DS Kalu, has already attracted new members and strengthened a sense of belonging within the party.

The Chairman of the state Congress Committee for wards and local governments, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Goar of Plateau State, praised party members for their peaceful conduct. He also commended DS Kalu’s leadership and trust in local structures, noting that the Deputy Speaker confined himself to his ward and allowed other leaders to manage their areas
He expressed confidence that the momentum from these congresses will carry through to the state-level congress, ensuring Abia State is recognized among the best in the nation.

National Welfare Secretary of the APC, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, also lauded the unity within the state party and the calm, inclusive nature of the exercises.

The leaders collectively thanked DS Kalu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Hon. Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, and other party figures for their commitment to the all-inclusive congresses.

“This new approach is already impacting the return of the party to its members,” DS Kalu said, emphasizing that unity, peace, and inclusivity remain central to the APC in Abia.

“This has been a turning point in our political history. The calmness and willingness of our people to allow others to take leadership positions shows a new brand of leadership rooted in collegiate understanding,” he said.

“If I were a teacher, I would score the success of the ward and local government congresses in Abia as excellent. You cannot achieve excellence without hard work,” Goar said.