Benjamin Kalu and Orji Uzor Kalu
A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and former governor Orji Uzor Kalu have both laid claim to authority over the party’s affairs in the state.
The rival claims, made through separate social media statements on Monday, have triggered renewed debate over internal control of the party in Abia and could shape political alignments ahead of future elections.
Both leaders cited directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the basis for their positions, creating uncertainty over who officially holds the mandate to coordinate the party structure in the state.
Benjamin Kalu Claims Role as Highest-Ranking APC Office Holder
In his statement, Benjamin Kalu suggested that President Tinubu had reaffirmed an existing leadership model in which governors oversee party matters in states controlled by APC governors, while the highest-ranking elected party office holders coordinate affairs in opposition-controlled states such as Abia.
Abia is currently governed by the Labour Party, meaning the APC does not control the state government.
According to Benjamin Kalu, this places responsibility for party coordination on him as the highest-ranking APC office holder from the state.
He thanked the President for what he described as recognition of that arrangement and said it had previously strengthened party unity.
Kalu argued that the model had been used successfully during ward, local government and state congresses, helping to stabilise the party structure.
He further expressed confidence in the party’s readiness to challenge for power in future elections.
According to him, the Abia chapter of the APC has become more united and forward-looking under the current arrangement and is positioned to deliver strong electoral results.
Orji Uzor Kalu Issues Counterclaim
Shortly after Benjamin Kalu’s remarks, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu appeared to issue a direct response, also claiming to have received a mandate from President Tinubu to coordinate party activities in Abia State.
In his own statement, the former governor thanked the President for what he described as the confidence reposed in him and the marching order to manage party matters in the state.
Orji Uzor Kalu, who currently represents Abia North in the Senate, also highlighted his political experience and long-standing influence in the state.
He described himself as the most senior former governor from Abia and pledged to work with party stakeholders to strengthen the APC ahead of future contests.
The senator said his focus would be to ensure the emergence of widely acceptable candidates who are united in purpose and capable of delivering victory for the party, particularly in support of President Tinubu’s expected re-election campaign.
Growing Uncertainty Within Abia APC
The parallel declarations have created confusion within the Abia APC, with supporters of both men interpreting the statements as evidence of competing power centres within the state chapter.
Political observers say the dispute reflects a broader struggle for influence ahead of the next electoral cycle, when control of party structures will be critical for nominations, alliances and campaign strategy.
Abia remains an important battleground in southeastern Nigeria, where the APC has sought to expand its footprint despite facing stronger competition from opposition parties.
Analysts note that whoever controls the party machinery in the state is likely to wield significant influence over candidate selection, delegate mobilisation and campaign financing.
Background of the Rival Figures
Benjamin Kalu has grown in national prominence since becoming Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of the highest offices in the legislative arm of government.
His supporters argue that his current federal position naturally places him at the forefront of party leadership in the state.
Orji Uzor Kalu, however, remains one of the most recognisable political figures in Abia politics.
A former governor and current senator, he retains longstanding networks across the state and substantial grassroots influence built over decades in public life.
His backers maintain that his political experience and history in Abia make him central to any serious party strategy.
Need for Clear Direction
So far, there has been no formal clarification from the national leadership of the APC on the competing claims.
Without an official statement, uncertainty may persist over who has authority to convene meetings, coordinate reconciliations, or lead preparations for upcoming elections.
Party insiders say an unresolved leadership tussle could weaken grassroots mobilisation and deepen factional divisions if not quickly managed.
Looking Ahead
The contest between Benjamin Kalu and Orji Uzor Kalu is more than a dispute over titles it is a struggle over the future direction of the APC in Abia State.
With elections on the horizon and political calculations already underway, the outcome may determine who shapes the party’s strategy, candidate choices and chances of reclaiming relevance in the state.
For now, both leaders have invoked presidential backing, but until the party’s national leadership speaks clearly, the question of who truly leads the APC in Abia remains unsettled.
