Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State have endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to contest the governorship election in 2027.

The endorsement was met with swift condemnation from the camp of Mascot Kalu, another prominent aspirant within the party.

The endorsement was made on Sunday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, with participants drawn from the three senatorial zones and the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

Some party leaders at the meeting urged Kalu to declare his intention to run, saying the party needed a candidate capable of winning the election.

The South East representative at the Federal Capital Civil Service, Martins Azubuike, said, “The meeting is geared towards consolidating the gains of the last party congress. We are here to take voices from Abians through the delegation of 17 LGAs as representatives of the wards, leveraging the RHP and by extension the party in the party.”

Responding, Kalu thanked the stakeholders for the endorsement but said he would make his decision known in the coming weeks.

“My response is going to be made available in a few weeks. I want to thank you for finding me worthy of this position. So in the coming weeks, prepare yourself. I am aware that when that response comes, you will be happy,” he said.

He added that the party was preparing to win the 2027 election in the state.

Kalu also said the party would play effective opposition politics in the state ahead of the poll.

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant in the party, Mascot Uzor Kalu, has opposed the endorsement, warning against any attempt to impose a candidate on the party.

In a statement on Sunday, he alleged that the stakeholders’ meeting was a plan to endorse a preferred aspirant without the involvement of other contenders.

He said any such move would be resisted.

“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: any premeditated consensus arrangement orchestrated by the APC State Working Committee and stakeholders, without the participation of all aspirants contesting for the same position, is illegitimate, unacceptable, and null and void ab initio.

“Such an imposition will be met with stiff and unequivocal resistance,” he said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that over 3,000 delegates are expected to attend its national convention scheduled for April 14 in Abuja, as the party moves ahead with preparations despite challenges in securing preferred venues.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, accused authorities of frustrating its efforts to use Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome, but insisted the convention will be held at the Rainbow Hotel.

Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Sunday, also stated that the ward and state congresses were conducted peacefully, congratulating the newly elected state executives and chairmen, and noting that the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and the rule of law.

In an interview with our correspondent, Abdullahi characterised the government’s actions against the party as an assault on democracy.

He stated, “The number of delegates expected for the national convention is more than 3,000. So, we are expecting over 3,000 delegates for the ADC national convention.

“We submitted letters requesting the use of Eagle Square. They have not responded to our letter till this moment. They simply ignore us.

“So, we reached out to the management of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Velodrome, where the Peoples Democratic Party held their national convention.

“They were cooperating with us until suddenly they told us that there is a cycling championship that is going to happen at the venue.

“So, that is the situation we have found ourselves in. It is part of the agenda. It is part of the assault on opposition leaders and their political parties.

“They are not giving us permission to use Eagle Square. Is one party bigger than the other party? Yes, we are an opposition political party. But does Eagle Square belong to the APC?

“Parties across generations have used Eagle Square. How come it is during President Bola Tinubu that Eagle Square becomes a property of the ruling party, APC?”

The ADC pledged to continue its activities irrespective of any actions taken by the government.

He continued, “On whether the police and other institutions that we require their support have responded positively, I do not have the evidence that they have not at this time.

“But no matter the APC-led Federal Government’s move, we will not be distracted.

“Our party leaders, supporters, and members at large shall gather for a free, fair, and credible national convention. The convention will be held at the Rainbow Hotel, Abuja, on April 14.”

In a related development, Abdullahi, in a statement on Sunday, announced that the inauguration of the new officials will be held at a later date to be communicated.

“The party is pleased to announce that the formal inauguration of the newly elected state executives is scheduled to take place on May 12, 2026, or at a later date to be duly communicated by the National Working Committee, Abdullahi said.

The ADC also called on the officials to remain committed to the party’s ideals and to align with the leadership direction of the national chairman, Mark, as they worked to strengthen the party across the country.

It stated, “The African Democratic Congress congratulates all newly elected state executives and state chairmen across the federation on the successful and peaceful conduct of their congresses.

“These elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect the ADC’s enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law.

“We commend all party members and stakeholders for exercising their democratic rights with maturity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.

“As you prepare to assume office, we urge all elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals and vision of the party. The task ahead requires unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people,” he said.

ADC releases updated committee lists

The ADC on Sunday released updated lists of its convention committee and subcommittees ahead of the national convention.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Abdullahi, the party said the update was aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention.

The party stated that the release of the updated lists was part of preparations for the national convention.

The ADC urged all committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and called on stakeholders to support the process.

The updated list shared by Abdullahi was signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo.

The national convention Central Coordination Committee has former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, as chairman and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as deputy.

The party has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis since 2025, following the adoption of the ADC as a coalition platform and the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark in July 2025.

The crisis stemmed from disputes over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which allegedly ended in August 2022. While Nwosu was said to have backed the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Bala Gombe, insisted he should assume the role of acting chairman after Nwosu’s exit.

The disagreement later escalated into factional struggles for control, triggering multiple legal battles at both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, and raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

While preparing for its ward, local government, and state congresses, as well as the national convention, the Independent National Electoral Commission, on April 1, 2026, announced the removal of key ADC figures, including Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, from its official records.

At a world press conference on April 2, Mark criticised INEC for taking sides, insisting that the commission acted in contempt of court.

The former Senate President called for the resignation of INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan and vowed that the ADC would proceed with its congresses and convention with or without the commission’s recognition.

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