Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State remains a formidable force as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The declaration follows recent strategic deliberations among party leaders and stakeholders from Abia State at a meeting, Saturday night, aimed at repositioning the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.

It will be recalled that the Ward and Local Government Congresses of the party earlier scheduled for last week Wednesday were suspended in State following some discrepancies. 

The Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to the National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and other national leaders for their efforts in strengthening the party's unity and stability.

He also thanked stakeholders and leaders of the Abia APC for their contributions to the party's recent strategic meeting which yielded tangible results and firmed the party's resolve to deliver growth and progress for the people of Abia State.

Chaired by the APC national chairman, the meeting held in Abuja also attracted the presence of other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party which included the National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru; Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; the National Vice Chairman, South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu and the National Welfare Secretary, Chief Donatus Nwankpa.

Some of the members of Abia State APC caucus in attendance were the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha; Hon. Chris Nkwonta; former Senators Senator Chris Adighije, Bob Nwanunu, Emma Nwaka, Nkechi Nwogu; former Minister of State for Science Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh; APC's foremost gubernatorial candidate in Abia, Chief Nyerere Anyim; Chairman, SEDC, Dr. Emeka Wogu; former Speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly which included Rt. Hon. Christoph Enwerenmadu; Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Njoku; some former and current members of the State and National Assemblies; and other distinguished stakeholders.

The Deputy Speaker informed that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu whose two younger brothers, Nnanna and Mascot were physically present at the meeting called in and reassured the caucus of his support. 

Kalu emphasized the party's focus on eliminating internal divisions and building a united front anchored on discipline, inclusion, and purpose.

He said: "Over the past few days, leaders and stakeholders of our great party in Abia State have engaged in strategic deliberations, examining our structures and charting a clear, coordinated path forward. These discussions have yielded tangible results and strengthened our collective resolve to reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.

"We ran to the national chairman of the party because we know he has the capacity to resolve conflicts. He has not failed us. From the first day he heard about this, he took steps, proactive steps and all of us are happy. There is no faction in Abia State. We are following his template. Everybody is happy. Everybody is going to be accommodated and we trust his judgement. 

"I sincerely appreciate our National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the unity, growth, and stability of the APC, not just in Abia State but across the nation; our National Secretary, Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru; the National Vice Chairman, South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu; and the entire National Working Committee for their tireless efforts in advancing the party.

"I am also grateful to the leaders of the Abia APC who participated in these engagements, including my Senator, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha; our National Welfare Secretary, Chief Donatus Nwankpa; former Senators Senator Chris Adighije, Senator Bob Nwanunu, and Senator Emma Nwaka; our foremost gubernatorial candidate, Chief Nyerere Anyim; Chairman, SEDC, Dr. Emeka Wogu; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; former Speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly; former and current members of the State and National Assemblies; and other distinguished stakeholders whose contributions enriched our conversations.

"As we continue on this path of peace and unity, our commitment to eliminating rancour and internal divisions, and to building a united front anchored on discipline, inclusion, and purpose, remains firm. The focus now is growth and sustained progress for our party and for the people we are privileged to serve.

"The task ahead requires unity, and together, we will deliver".

Earlier, the national chairman of the party, Prof. Yilwatda who also said that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was in agreement with the outcome of the meeting added that all issues bedeviling the have been resolved. 

"We met with all the caucus members of Abia State after a little friction that took place when were to have the Congress last week and to the glory of all, the stakeholders, the critical stakeholders of the caucus have come together and unanimously agreed and took decisions that are far reaching and I am sure with this, we are going to have a rancour free elections on Wednesday and Thursday. And to me, it is very important for us and a big lesson for the party also", he said. 

On her part, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiru Onyejiocha corroborated the Deputy Speaker and the national chairman's position, saying that all the discrepancies have been settled amicably. 

"Thank God we have resolved all issues. APC is one and will continue to be be and we return the President in full swing", Onyejiocha said.