POLITICS
Zoning: Benjamin Kalu Kicks as APC Picks Abia Central for Governorship Ticket
The Benjamin Kalu Movement (BKM) has expressed strong opposition to the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to zone its governorship ticket to Abia Central Senatorial District, describing the move as shocking and disappointing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director-General of the Movement, Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, said the decision was hasty, ill-timed, and taken without adequate consultation with key stakeholders across the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to him, while the party reserves the right to make internal decisions, zoning such a sensitive position requires inclusiveness and broader engagement to ensure fairness and unity.
He warned that the approach adopted by the party could undermine internal democracy and alienate loyal members from other zones.
The group noted that the APC in Abia State is still in a rebuilding phase and should prioritize unity rather than actions capable of deepening internal divisions.
BKM further argued that both Abia North and Abia South Senatorial Districts have credible aspirants who have contributed significantly to the growth of the party and deserve equal opportunity to contest for the governorship ticket.
The Movement also alleged that the zoning decision appears to be a calculated attempt to exclude aspirants from Abia North, particularly prominent figures within the party.
It maintained that, based on equity and existing political arrangements, Abia North should have been considered for the governorship slot following the administration of former governor Okezie Ikpeazu from Abia South.
The group, therefore, called on the State Working Committee (SWC) and the national leadership of the APC to review and reverse the decision in the interest of fairness, party cohesion, and electoral success.
While urging its supporters to remain calm, the Movement reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the APC in Abia State, stressing the need for unity ahead of future elections.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has put to rest speculation over its governorship ticket, with the state Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, reaffirming Eric Opah as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general election.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FLO 94.9 FM, Chukwu declared that all controversies surrounding the party’s primaries have been resolved, and the results announced by the primary election committee — and subsequently ratified by the APC National Working Committee — remain valid and binding.
“The results of the primaries as announced by the primary election committee and ratified by the National Working Committee stand,” Chukwu said. He stressed that Eric Opah is the authentic governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State.
The chairman called on all party members to bury their differences and close ranks in order to build a formidable APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
In the same interview, Chukwu also confirmed that Hon. Erondu Uchenna will be the party’s candidate for the Abia South Senatorial District seat in the upcoming elections.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has alleged that Justice Peter Lifu acted in contempt of court by issuing a judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other political parties despite a pending appeal.
According to Abdullahi, the Court of Appeal had directed that no action should be taken on the matter until the appeal is heard on October 27. He argued that proceeding with the judgment before the appellate court’s determination amounts to a disregard for the court’s directive.
“Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who gave the judgment that deregistered the ADC and four other parties, should be arrested. The Appeal Court said don’t act until the case is heard on October 27. He’s acting in contempt of court,” Abdullahi stated.
The remarks add a new dimension to the legal and political controversy surrounding the status of the affected political parties, with the matter expected to be further addressed when the appeal comes up for hearing.
KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.
The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.
Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.
The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.
Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.
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