APC cancels zoning of guber seat to Abia Central Zone
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has reversed its earlier decision to zone the governorship position to the Abia Central senatorial zone.
- The cancellation follows controversy and condemnation from some governorship aspirants within the party.
- The party will now maintain the status quo, allowing all aspirants to purchase nomination forms for any position.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State is experiencing internal turmoil regarding the zoning of its governorship ticket for the 2027 general election. Initially, the state working committee had decided to zone the position to the Abia Central senatorial zone. However, this decision quickly ignited controversy, drawing sharp criticism from prominent governorship aspirants, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu.
Following concerns raised by stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, the National Leadership of the party has reviewed the concerns raised.
Following the backlash and ensuing controversy, the state chapter of the APC announced the reversal of the zoning arrangement. According to Chief Uche Aguoru, the state publicity secretary, the national leadership of the party intervened and directed that all zoning decisions made by the State Working Committee be discarded. This intervention underscores the influence of national party structures in resolving internal disputes at the state level.
Consequently, the party has directed that all zoning arrangements earlier issued by the State Working Committee be jettisoned. The party will, therefore, maintain the status quo.
The party has now decided to 'maintain the status quo,' meaning all zoning arrangements previously issued are nullified. This decision opens the door for all aspirants interested in contesting for any position, from the House of Assembly to the governorship, to freely purchase nomination forms before the stipulated deadline. The move aims to quell the internal dissent and ensure a more inclusive process for the upcoming elections, although it may lead to a more crowded and competitive primary.
By this directive, all aspirants interested in contesting for any position from the House of Assembly, Reps, Senate and Governorship are hereby advised that they are free to approach the party and purchase their nomination forms before the stipulated deadline as outlined by the party.
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.