The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed reports of an alleged secret list of preferred candidates of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.
There had been tension among APC aspirants in the state following claims that a list of preferred candidates had been prepared after the screening exercise.
Reacting, Kalu said only democratic primaries and consensus arrangements recognised by the APC constitution would determine the party’s candidates.
Kalu described the speculation as contrary to participatory democracy and the provisions guiding the party.
He said, “It has been brought to my notice that there are speculations that a list of shortlisted candidates has been prepared to fly the flag of our party at the upcoming elections.
“The premise of this alleged list is against the principles of participatory democracy.
“Only two recognised democratic processes exist for the conduct of successful APC primaries across Nigeria — direct primaries and consensus arrangements agreed upon voluntarily by aspirants.”
Kalu said aspirants were expected, in line with the Electoral Act and the APC constitution, to mobilise grassroots support for direct primaries or engage in consultations that could produce consensus candidates.
He urged APC members in Abia to disregard rumours about any secret list for the House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship primaries.
“Members of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State are advised to ignore any assumption or suspicion regarding the existence of any kind of list from any quarters.
“If such a list exists anywhere, it is by this announcement, rendered null and void,” he said.
APC Eyes 2027 Victories
Kalu said the people-centred approach adopted during the party’s congresses in the state would guide the primaries.
“The spirit of how we conducted our congresses, which was centred around our people, is still alive, and the conduct of our primaries will not be different,” he said.
He urged members to remain united and focused ahead of future elections.
“Dear members of the APC family in Abia State, we have work to do. Let us keep tilling the ground as we have been doing and prepare our party for massive electoral victories across contests next year.
“It starts now, and we will remain together no matter the antics of disruptors. You have the support of the leadership of the party at all levels. With you, we built a strong and formidable party; with you, we will sustain it.
“We have confidence in the unity and electoral prospects of the APC in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Kalu added.