By Duke C. I .
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the mandate to coordinate the activities of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, a development that positions the former governor as the leader of the party in the state.
Senator Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, announced the presidential directive on his official Facebook page today, expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the president.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Senator Kalu stated in the Facebook post.
The senator, who served as governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, described as “the most senior Governor in the state”, pledged to work closely with all stakeholders in line with the president’s directive. This description underscores his extensive political experience and positions him as the natural choice to lead the party’s efforts in the state.
Senator Kalu outlined his commitment to ensuring that the APC in Abia produces candidates who meet specific criteria for the upcoming elections. “I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
The presidential directive comes at a crucial time for the APC in Abia State, which has been working to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 general elections. Senator Kalu has been instrumental in recent efforts to unite various factions within the party in the state, creating a more cohesive opposition to the current Labour Party government led by Governor Alex Otti.
Tinubu’s decision to entrust Senator Kalu with this responsibility reflects the senator’s proven political credentials and his demonstrated ability to deliver electoral victories. During his tenure as governor, Kalu built a formidable political machinery, and has continued to expand the network as a ranking senator.
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape in Abia State, particularly as the 2027 elections approach. With Senator Kalu now officially coordinating APC activities with presidential backing, the party is positioned to mount a serious challenge to the incumbent Labour Party government. This also signals President Tinubu’s strategy of leveraging experienced politicians with strong grassroots networks to strengthen the party’s presence in states where it currently does not control the governorship.
