Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Wednesday issued a blunt reminder to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, declaring that the ruling party belongs to its members collectively and not to any individual, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kalu delivered the message in Umuahia during a rescheduled ward congress of the APC, an exercise aimed at easing internal tensions and restoring unity after months of factional disputes. The Abia chapter of the party had earlier postponed its ward and local government congresses after rival groups failed to comply with national party directives.
Addressing party faithful, Kalu described the gathering as a “congress of harmonisation,” stressing that it was designed to give every stakeholder a fair sense of belonging as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
“No one man will own this party,” Kalu said. “Not Benjamin Kalu, not anybody. This party belongs to all of us.”
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To reinforce his point, the deputy speaker recalled a personal conversation with President Tinubu, noting that the president consistently refers to the APC as “our party” rather than “my party.” According to Kalu, the choice of words reflects the leadership’s commitment to collective ownership and internal democracy.
Forms for the ward congress were distributed across all 184 wards in Abia State on Tuesday, with local government congresses scheduled to follow on Thursday. Party leaders say the staggered approach is meant to reduce tension and allow for broader participation.
Chairman of the Abia APC Congress Committee, Emmanuel Goar, assured members that the process would be peaceful and transparent. He said the national leadership and state structures were working closely to ensure credibility and fairness throughout the exercise.
For the APC, unity in Abia carries strategic importance. The state has long been dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the ruling party has struggled to gain a firm foothold in the South-East. Party leaders believe internal cohesion is essential if the APC hopes to mount a serious challenge in 2027.
Kalu’s intervention also comes at a sensitive time nationally, as opposition parties accuse the APC of being overly centralised and dominated by a narrow circle of power around the presidency. By openly rejecting the idea of personal ownership, the deputy speaker appears to be countering that narrative while reassuring grassroots members that their voices still matter.
The broader political climate adds weight to his remarks. Since Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the APC has faced growing public frustration over rising fuel prices, inflation and the cost of living. Critics argue that economic hardship has eroded public confidence in the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
In such an atmosphere, party insiders acknowledge that internal cohesion and openness are crucial to maintaining support. Kalu used the occasion to urge discipline, inclusion and patience, arguing that unity within the party is key to navigating both political and economic challenges.
