As the political cloud thickens within parties in the country, particularly , Nigeria’s ruling party the All Progressives Congress, APC, more withdrawals are coming from prominent Gubernatorial candidates.
Just a few hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara And three others withdrew from the race in Rivers State, a prominent Gubernatorial candidate in Abia, Mascot Uzor Kalu has voluntarily withdrawn from the contest.
Mascot, brother to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu said the decision was taken after consultations with family, stakeholders, supporters.
PRESS STATEMENT
VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM ABIA APC GOVERNORSHIP RACE
This is to formally announce to my supporters, party members, and the general public that, after wide consultations with family members, friends, and stakeholders, I have voluntarily withdrawn my aspiration to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.
Though difficult, this decision is premised on two major reasons:
- Considering that my brother, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (MON), has already clinched the senatorial ticket of the party, I believe this decision will allow other aspirants the opportunity to exercise their right to contest for the office of Governor.
- After wide and due consultations with stakeholders, we concluded that, in the interest of fairness and equity, Abia Central should be allowed to complete its eight years of power rotation, which it has already commenced.
I extend my special appreciation to my wife and children, who have stood by me throughout these months since my declaration.
I also deeply appreciate my lovely mother, who has always stood solidly with me, as well as my brothers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu.
Special thanks also go to my staff and members of my campaign organisation, particularly Reverend Chuks Alozie, Samuel Nwachukwu, and Ifeanyi Adijeh, for their unalloyed support and dedication throughout this journey.
Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu (KSJI)
Meanwhile the Abia State chapter of APC has denied the rumours making the rounds that one of the hopefuls in the Guber race, Chief Eric Opia has been did qualified.
The chapter in a release endorsed by its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru described the claims as misleading and mischievous.
The Statement :::
The attention of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has been drawn to a misleading and mischievous publication making the rounds on social media alleging that a governorship aspirant, Chief Eric Opah, has been disqualified from participating in the party’s governorship primary election scheduled to hold to hold tomorrow 21/5/26 over purported membership controversies.
For the avoidance of doubt, the report is entirely false, baseless, and does not emanate from the leadership of the party at any level.
Chief Eric Opah remains a duly registered and qualified member of the All Progressives Congress and has not been disqualified by the party from contesting the forthcoming governorship primary election.
The APC in Abia State wishes to categorically state that no official communication, directive, or decision has been issued by the national leadership of the party disqualifying Chief Opah or questioning the validity of his membership registration.
The insinuation that his membership was not captured in the party’s online database is nothing but speculation designed to create confusion, sow division within the party, and mislead the public. The APC membership process accommodates various administrative procedures recognized by the party, and no aspirant can be disqualified based on unverified social media gossip and anonymous sources.
We therefore urge party faithful, supporters, and the general public to disregard the fake report in its entirety and await only official communications from the appropriate organs of the party.
The APC remains committed to conducting a transparent, credible, and inclusive primary election that will produce a candidate acceptable to the majority of party members.
Signed:
Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
APC Abia State
