The National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has overturned a controversial zoning directive earlier issued by the Abia State Working Committee of the party, directing an immediate return to the status quo.
In an official statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the party said the decision followed widespread concerns raised by stakeholders and leaders across Abia State. The national leadership, after reviewing the issues, instructed that all zoning arrangements be jettisoned with immediate effect.
The directive effectively nullifies the earlier position of the State Working Committee, which had reportedly sought to influence the distribution of elective positions within the party, particularly the governorship ticket which it ceded to Abia Central Senatorial District. By restoring the status quo, the party has now thrown open the contest, allowing all aspirants interested in positions ranging from the State House of Assembly to the governorship to freely obtain nomination forms ahead of the stipulated deadline. The move is seen as a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to internal democracy and fair competition.
Recall that earlier in the week, the foremost Abia governorship aspirant under the APC, Mascot Uzor Kalu, had condemned the zoning move which many supporters described as a “kangaroo arrangement” that undermines equity and fairness. His campaign organisation in a statement argued that such a directive was unconstitutional and alien to the party’s tradition in Abia, insisting that the governorship ticket has always been open to all aspirants through a competitive primary process.
