EXCLUSIVE: Intense Lobbying Begins As Incumbent Lawmaker, SANs, Ex-Guber Candidate Eye 2027 APC Gubernatorial Ticket In Abia
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, political manoeuvring in Abia State is reaching a fever pitch—particularly within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where intense lobbying is gaining momentum for the party’s coveted gubernatorial ticket.
While a handful of aspirants have openly declared their ambitions to govern the state, several others are quietly working behind the scenes, engaging in high-level consultations and alliance-building to position themselves favourably ahead of the polls.
According to findings by THE WHISPERER, political currents are especially strong in Abia North Senatorial District, where the APC is reportedly considering zoning its gubernatorial ticket in a strategic bid to challenge the incumbent, Governor Alex Otti, currently serving his first term.
Amidst this backdrop of jostling and realignment, some political leaders from Ukwa/Ngwa bloc—comprising the old Aba region—over the weekend called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to join the 2027 race to “rescue” the state from what they termed “unfulfilled promises” under the current administration.
During a courtesy call on Rt Hon. Kalu in Umuahia, a former Commissioner, Mr Godwin Nna, expressed confidence that the APC was well-positioned to wrest power from the Labour Party-led government come 2027.
However, in a swift rebuttal, the Ukwa la Ngwa Youth Council disassociated itself from the endorsement, condemning it as “mischievous, divisive, and unrepresentative of the collective aspirations of the Ukwa la Ngwa people of the old Aba Division.”
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Okechukwu Charles, the youth body described the advocacy led by Elder Godwin Nna and his allies as “a deceitful movement that contradicts the longstanding principles of equity, fairness, and political inclusion in Abia State.”
Although Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu has not formally declared his intention to contest the gubernatorial election, THE WHISPERER understands that his political machinery and support base are expanding across all 17 local government areas of the state.
A senior APC chieftain who spoke under condition of anonymity revealed that apart from the Deputy Speaker, two prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), and a former governorship candidate are all actively engaging stakeholders nationwide with a view to clinching the party’s ticket.
“APC will likely zone the governorship to Abia North. We already have two SANs engaging in wide consultations, a former governorship candidate is in the mix, and another influential politician is nursing the ambition. Unlike before, APC in Abia is now more united. There’s a stronger sense of direction, and once our congress is concluded, several heavyweight politicians are expected to formally join the party. Then the true face of APC in Abia will emerge, and we expect a formidable coalition of aspirants,” the source said.
On the possible return of Chief Ikechi Emenike, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, the source noted that it is unlikely he will seek the party’s gubernatorial ticket again.
“Chief Emenike may instead pursue the Abia Central Senatorial seat. However, we hear that Chief Emeka Atuma and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu are also eyeing the same seat. Some stakeholders are reportedly persuading him to opt for the Senate.
“Similarly, in Abia South, there is talk of persuading Rep Chris Nkwonta to contest the Senate seat under the APC banner to challenge Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who may fly the Labour Party’s ticket. I’m also aware that discussions are ongoing to woo Engr Chinedu Onyeizu into the APC as a fallback candidate should Hon. Nkwonta decline the Senate bid,” he added.
With political permutations still unfolding, Abia State looks set for a turbulent yet engaging run-up to 2027, as new alliances emerge and familiar faces re-emerge on the battlefield for power.
