…moves To Unite Ahead Of 2027 Polls
UMUAHIA – The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Sunday resolved to grant unconditional pardon to all members disciplined over grievances arising from the party primaries and congresses, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North, and Hon. Chris Nkwonta, member representing Ukwa East/Ukwu East Federal Constituency, over alleged anti-party comments.
The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting of the party held at the new APC Secretariat on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia.
During the meeting, Chairman of the party in the state, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, said the primaries produced “the best of aspirants” and it became difficult to select candidates based on qualification, capacity and capability.
He acknowledged that some decisions of the State Working Committee were applauded while others were heavily criticized, leading to misunderstandings and grievances expressed through both proper and improper channels.
Chukwu said the party leadership takes responsibility for the shortcomings and appealed to stakeholders and party faithful to forgive in the interest of unity.
“If there is anybody that should be blamed, I take responsibility first before members of the state working committee,” he said. “We cannot take over the state as we have agreed in unity to sack the government that has not served our people to their satisfaction, divided.”
On discipline, the chairman said going forward, members with grievances must channel them through appropriate party organs and not the media.
He added that the party would henceforth implement its rules and regulations to the letter.
The meeting also reviewed the suspension of Senator Kalu and Hon. Nkwonta over alleged anti-party utterances. Chukwu said the leaders had reached out to the party privately and explained that their comments were not made in bad faith.
He said the State Working Committee had two options: review the decision or allow stakeholders to move a motion to revise it. The meeting adopted the second option.
In a motion moved by APC candidate for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, and seconded by Hon. Emmanuel Ndubisi, member representing Bende South in the Abia House of Assembly, the stakeholders resolved that “all members who as a result of anger, provocation or misunderstanding arising from past primaries, congresses and other activities of the party be hereby granted unconditional pardon.”
The motion was put to vote and adopted by a voice vote.
Chukwu said the pardon excludes members whose cases are still under legitimate review by appropriate party authorities.
He warned that any infraction from this point would attract appropriate sanctions.
The meeting also featured the celebration of the birthday of the party Chairman, which coincided with the gathering.
