Abia APC to Hold Harmonised Ward, LG Congresses Feb 25–26

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has announced plans to conduct harmonised Ward and Local Government Congresses on February 25 and 26, in line with directives from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), as leaders move to resolve internal disagreements and strengthen unity ahead of future elections.

Addressing party members in Umuahia, the state capital, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party’s highest decision-making organs, including the national caucus and the NEC.

Kalu explained that the adoption of a harmonised model was designed to prevent parallel congresses that could deepen existing divisions within the state chapter.

According to him, the leadership concluded that a single, inclusive process would better preserve cohesion and promote collective ownership of party structures across wards and local governments.

He disclosed that the approach received the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a committed democrat determined to ensure that party structures reflect broad-based participation rather than the control of any individual or group.

Kalu said the President insisted that decisions reached by the caucus and NEC are binding and must be respected by all stakeholders.

He noted that disagreements which surfaced during earlier stages of planning for the congresses prompted fresh intervention from the party’s national leadership. This, he said, led to the activation of the National Working Committee (NWC) and the reconstitution of congress committees to align with the agreed harmonisation framework.

Under the new arrangement, stakeholders at ward, local government and state levels are expected to reach consensus on leadership positions before the formal exercises, ensuring that diverse interests within the party are accommodated.

Kalu maintained that consensus-building was critical to restoring confidence among grassroots members and repositioning the party for stronger electoral performance in the state.

He urged members to embrace dialogue and unity, stressing that internal cohesion would determine the party’s capacity to compete effectively in subsequent elections.

The party confirmed that ward congresses will take place on February 25, followed by local government congresses on February 26.

It was further disclosed that national congress, screening and appeal committees have been deployed to Abia State to supervise the process and ensure compliance with party guidelines.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are also expected to monitor the exercises, in line with statutory requirements.

The harmonised congresses come amid efforts by the APC’s national leadership to stabilise party structures in several states where internal disputes had threatened cohesion.

Observers say the outcome of the Abia congresses will test the effectiveness of the consensus model in managing intra-party tensions and setting the stage for a more unified front in the South-East state.

Party leaders expressed optimism that the process would produce broadly accepted executives at the grassroots level and strengthen the party’s base ahead of upcoming political contests.