The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in its readiness to take over power in the state during the 2027 general elections.

The position was made known during a pre-primary stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s new secretariat along Finbarrs Road in Umuahia.

Speaking at the gathering, the state chairman of the party, Chijioke Chukwu, said the APC had overcome its internal challenges and was now more united and prepared for victory in future elections.

He praised the calibre of individuals joining the party and stated that the APC would surprise many people in the coming elections.

According to him, the current State Working Committee had succeeded in strengthening unity within the party and conducting screening exercises without rancour or internal conflict.

“What we have now is a radical departure from what was happening before. This party is now the final destination. All leaders that make Abia tick are here. We have no reason not to succeed,” he said.

Also addressing party members, Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, said the era of quarrels and division within the party was over. He urged aspirants to follow the rules and expressed confidence that the party would perform strongly in future elections.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also commended the quality of aspirants seeking various positions under the party.

He said efforts made over the past three years had helped reposition the APC into a more attractive political platform in the state.

“Today, whatever we are determined to do, we will do. We have repositioned and will bring an unprecedented number of votes to the party,” he stated.

Benjamin Kalu also stressed that there would be no imposition of candidates, insisting that aspirants would either emerge through consensus or direct primaries.

“There is no automatic ticket or list from anybody. If you like, bring and circulate a list, you are wasting your time. You either agree by consensus, or if you don’t agree, we go for direct primaries. We are not going to impose any candidate,” he added.

He further encouraged aspirants not to lose hope if they failed to secure tickets, noting that patience and perseverance were important in politics.

Governorship aspirants including Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, Chief Henry Ikoh and Chiedu Eric Oparaugo also addressed the meeting, promising to transform the state if elected and urging members to remain loyal to the party regardless of the outcome of the primaries.

Other aspirants present at the meeting included Chief Erondu Uche Erondu, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Engr. Chinedum Orji, Lilian Obenwa, Mary Ikoku, Chief Tony Igbokwe and Chikwudi Apugo. They all pledged commitment to the party and expressed confidence in a credible primary process.

Providing details of the screening exercise, the State Organising Secretary, Barr. Emeka Okoroafor, disclosed that 64 aspirants purchased forms for the State House of Assembly elections, while one aspirant was disqualified.

He added that the party also screened three governorship aspirants, nine senatorial aspirants and 24 House of Representatives aspirants.

According to him, the APC has adopted direct primaries, with elections expected to hold simultaneously across wards in the state.

He also stated that only party members who are financially up to date would be eligible to participate in the voting process, while assuring aspirants of a free, fair and transparent exercise.