The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State is facing internal divisions following the endorsement of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for the 2027 governorship election.

The decision, reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, drew participants from the state’s three senatorial zones and all 17 local government areas. At the gathering, several party leaders called on Kalu to formally declare his ambition, describing him as a strong candidate capable of securing victory for the party.

Martins Azubuike, the South East representative at the Federal Capital Civil Service, explained that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the party’s progress after its recent congress. He noted that representatives from all local governments were present to reflect the views of party members across the state.

In his response, Kalu expressed appreciation for the endorsement, assuring stakeholders that he would make his position clear in the coming weeks. He hinted that his decision would bring optimism to party members and reaffirmed the APC’s determination to win the 2027 election in Abia.

He also emphasized the party’s readiness to play a strong opposition role in the state ahead of the polls.

However, the endorsement has not been without controversy. Another governorship aspirant, Mascot Kalu, strongly opposed the move, cautioning against any attempt to impose a candidate on the party.

In a statement released on Sunday, he alleged that the meeting was designed to favour a particular aspirant without involving other contenders. He insisted that any arrangement excluding all aspirants would be unacceptable and invalid from the outset.

Mascot Kalu further warned that any such action would face firm resistance, deepening the emerging rift within the party as it prepares for the 2027 governorship race.