The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday inaugurated its 618-member 2027 Presidential Campaign Council in Umuahia, as the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced its decision to adopt President Bola Tinubu as its presidential candidate.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said President Tinubu had entrusted the party members with the responsibility of working towards his vision of building a great Nigeria.

Kalu described the assignment as a call to public service and a defining moment for the country, expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.

“This is a call to public duty and a defining moment for the country. Tinubu chose a difficult path to reform Nigeria. I can see him in the coming dispensation. He will win,” he said.

He emphasised the strategic importance of the South-East in national politics, urging the region to build stronger political relationships across the country to remain relevant.

According to him, cooperation with other regions would strengthen the political position of the South-East and create opportunities for the people of the region.

“We must come together and shake hands across the Niger to remain relevant. Wrong calculation will take us backwards, right calculation will take us forward,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker also called for support for Tinubu to complete his constitutionally permitted eight-year tenure, arguing that this would enable the President to consolidate the reforms initiated by his administration.

He further said political cooperation with the Federal Government could improve Abia State's access to federal opportunities and appointments.

In his remarks, the Coordinator of the Campaign Council and Abia APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, described the inauguration as a new beginning for the party, noting that members had come together with a common purpose.

Chukwu acknowledged that the party had previously experienced internal disagreements but said its members were now united ahead of the 2027 elections.

He thanked Kalu for his role in coordinating the party in the state and commended President Tinubu for appointing him to a federal position.

Describing the task ahead as challenging but achievable, the APC chairman stressed the need for the party to deliver Abia State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying such support would strengthen the state's bargaining position at the federal level.

Chukwu also appealed to Kalu to use his relationship with the President to help secure the filling of the vacancy in the Federal Executive Council following the resignation of former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

He urged the President to appoint a recognised APC member from Abia to the vacant ministerial position.

The APC chairman also expressed concern over the party's representation in the Federal Character Commission, describing the situation as embarrassing to the state chapter.