By Ik Ogbonna
2027 Abia APC frontline Governorship Aspirant, Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu (KSJI), has commended Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his principled stand on the Abia APC pre-primary process.
Reacting to the outcome of Tuesday’s stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri, Kalu praised Uzodimma for rejecting moves to impose a consensus candidate and for urging stakeholders to uphold unity and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
“Governor Uzodimma’s position is democratic and reassuring. A free, fair, and credible primary is the only path to a strong, united APC in Abia,” Kalu said.
Kalu reiterated his commitment to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and wished all aspirants well, noting that internal democracy remains the foundation of electoral success.
The health of any democracy is measured not just at the general election, but in how political parties conduct their internal contests. That is why Governor Hope Uzodimma’s stance at last Tuesday’s APC stakeholders’ meeting in Owerri deserves attention beyond Imo State.
As Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Governor Uzodimma could have easily lent his weight to the quiet push for a “consensus” candidate in Abia. He did the opposite. He rejected any attempt to railroad an endorsement, and instead charged stakeholders to close ranks, protect party unity, and focus on the collective goal: the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is principled politics. And it matters.
In too many states, pre-primary season has become a season of imposition. Consensus, when genuine, is democracy at its most mature. But when it is manufactured by excluding aspirants or stifling competition, it breeds apathy, litigation, and fractured parties that limp into general elections. Abia APC cannot afford that in 2026/2027.
A level playing field is not a favour to aspirants; it is a service to the party. When every member knows the process is open, transparent, and credible, winners emerge with legitimacy and losers are more likely to stay and work for victory. That is how you build a party that can actually govern, not just win primaries.
“For this reason, I align fully with Governor Uzodimma’s position. Every man and woman who has picked a nomination form in Abia deserves the same rules, the same access, and the same chance. Let delegates decide. Let the best ideas and records win” he said.
Sir Mascot Kalu also lauded APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the NWC, and Abia APC Chairman Hon. Chijioke Chukwu for their efforts to strengthen party cohesion ahead of 2027.
