Politics: Unity, Transparency Mark Abia APC’s Landmark State Congress
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has successfully conducted its State Congress in Umuahia, the state capital, and elected Hon. Chijioke Chukwu as its APC Chairman elect in what many described as a defining moment for the party’s growth and consolidation. The gathering attracted a formidable array of party leaders, stakeholders, and faithful who converged to witness a process that set a new standard for unity and internal democracy within the state chapter.
Leading the delegation of prominent figures was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, whose presence underscored the significance of the exercise. He was joined by distinguished leaders including Nkechi Nwaogu (Mama APC), Emma Nwaka, Chris Nkwonta, Uzor Azubuike, Kennedy Njoku, Donatus Nwankpa, Sam Onuigbo, Henry Ikoh, Emeka Wogu, and A. C. B. Agbazuere, Abraham U. Oba KSJI, among many others too numerous to mention. Their collective attendance reflected a strong show of solidarity and renewed commitment to the party’s ideals.
The Congress, held in Umuahia, was conducted through a consensus arrangement — the first of its kind in the state to be widely regarded as seamless, fair, transparent, and unifying. Unlike previous exercises that were sometimes fraught with disagreements, this process stood out for its peaceful atmosphere and collective agreement among stakeholders, signaling a new chapter for the party in Abia.
Importantly, the exercise was witnessed and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission at both national and state levels. Their presence further reinforced the credibility and compliance of the Congress with laid-down electoral guidelines, adding legitimacy to the outcomes of the exercise.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to uphold the party’s principles of unity, inclusivity, and fairness. He emphasized the need for the new leadership to engage all members and critical stakeholders in decision-making processes, noting that the strength of the APC lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while pursuing common goals.
As proceedings drew to a close, the mood was one of optimism and renewed hope for the future. Quoting the famous words of Victor Hugo, party faithful echoed, “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” For the Abia APC, the successful consensus Congress was more than a routine political exercise — it was the affirmation of an ideology whose moment has truly arrived.
