The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Chris Nkwonta 14 days to publicly apologise for comments the party says amount to anti-party conduct.
The party’s State Working Committee (SWC), led by Chairman Chijioke Chukwu, reached the decision at a meeting in Umuahia.
The action followed comments by Kalu, who said during a national television interview that Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party would win re-election in 2027.
Nkwonta, who represents the Ukwa East area, also said at a reception for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ukwa East that he would vote for Otti in the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement issued by the APC state Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the SWC described the comments as unstatesmanlike and damaging to the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
The committee said the conduct violated Article 21.2(11) of the APC Constitution, which provides for disciplinary action against members whose actions undermine the party.
The APC directed both lawmakers to issue unreserved public apologies within 14 days and reaffirm their commitment to the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
It warned that failure to comply would lead to the constitution of a disciplinary committee to recommend appropriate sanctions.
The SWC also resolved that political support and privileges could be withdrawn from either lawmaker if their conduct is found to be contrary to the party’s interests.
The Abia APC said it remained focused on maintaining party unity and securing the governorship and all legislative seats in the state in 2027.
