The 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party in Abia State, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Kalu made the declaration on Saturday during a meeting with APC faithful in Umuahia, the state capital.
Mascot Uzor Kalu, the brother to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in 2022 dumped the APC to form a new political party, Action Peoples Party.
Kalu had immediately reacted to the development saying he was surprised as he was not informed.
He urged members to remain united and steadfast, warning that internal divisions had long hindered the party’s progress in Abia.
He appealed to members to set aside personal differences for the greater good of the APC.
“I was at the party office recently, and I told them that if all political parties should contribute money, the APC should have the largest. But because of divisiveness, it cannot be realised. All I am preaching is for peace,” Kalu said.
Reflecting on his 2023 experience, Kalu described his participation in the last election as “a reflection of the people’s will,” adding that his 2027 ambition is anchored on service, unity, and good governance.
“I stand before you with humility and hope that the future is bright. I was the fourth runner-up in the last governorship election, and I congratulated the winner because the election showed the yearnings of the people.
“I stand for local government autonomy and the welfare of civil servants. Let us build an Abia that works for all and not for some. Our project is anchored on God. Onye ruo, ya erie (he who works should eat),” he said.
Kalu reaffirmed that his decision to join the 2027 race was entirely his own, stressing that no one compelled him. He urged members to participate actively in the forthcoming primaries, describing it as “the first crucial step toward reclaiming leadership in Abia State.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Udonma Ezinne, the State Woman Leader of the APC, applauded Kalu’s decision and called for unity within the party. She disclosed that the former APP candidate officially defected to the APC on October 24, emphasising that peace and cooperation were essential for victory in 2027.
A party chieftain, Chief Barrister Ndukwe Peter, described the moment as historic for the APC in Abia, affirming that the party “stands for good governance” and pledging the support of the Reality Organisation for Kalu’s ambition.
Similarly, Barrister Perfect Okorie, former State Secretary of the APC, underscored the need for strategic direction and urged members to rally behind Kalu as the party’s leader and governorship hopeful.
On his part, Mr. Ojisi Iroh Ogbaja of the OUK Movement expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to take charge of Abia’s leadership, urging Kalu to continue engaging the grassroots as the countdown to the 2027 elections begins.
