Mascot Uzor Kalu Rejects All Progressives Congress Abia Governorship Zoning, Calls It Illegal

A political storm is brewing in Abia State as Mascot Uzor Kalu has rejected a purported zoning arrangement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that allegedly allocates the party’s governorship ticket to Abia Central Senatorial District. 

In a strongly worded statement issued by his campaign organisation, Kalu described the reported decision as “kangaroo, illegal, and unconstitutional,” insisting that no such arrangement has ever existed within the party’s structure in the state. 

The controversy followed a press statement reportedly released by the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, claiming that the State Working Committee had adopted a zoning formula and discouraged aspirants from purchasing nomination forms. 

However, Kalu’s camp questioned the legitimacy of the claim, noting that most members of the committee were not in the state and had not held any formal meeting.  

The campaign organisation argued that the APC in Abia has historically operated an open primary system without zoning restrictions. It cited previous election cycles where aspirants from different senatorial districts contested freely, with candidates emerging through competitive primaries. 

Kalu’s supporters warned against what they described as an attempt by “self-serving elements” within the party to impose a preferred candidate through undemocratic means. They vowed to resist any move that could undermine his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 elections. 

“We unequivocally reject this purported zoning arrangement in its entirety and will not accept it under any circumstances,” the statement read, adding that any attempt to frustrate their candidate’s ambition would be met with “lawful and unyielding resistance.” 

The development highlights growing tensions within the Abia chapter of the APC, as internal alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next election cycle. 

Political observers say the dispute could test the party’s unity and its ability to manage internal democracy in the lead-up to the primaries. While the APC leadership in the state has yet to officially respond to the rejection, party members and stakeholders are expected to engage in consultations to resolve the issue and prevent further divisions.