The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has zoned its governorship ticket to the Abia Central Senatorial Zone.
This surprise announcement was made on Thursday by Uche Aguoru, the Publicity Secretary of the Abia APC.
The decision of the party, when implemented, would ultimately affect the governorship ambition of Mascot Uzor Kalu, the younger brother of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who recently obtained his expression of interest form in Abuja.
It would also affect the chances of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who is speculated to be in the race to contest against Governor Alex Otti.
The statement by the Abia APC said: “This is to notify our esteemed members and the general public in Abia State that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to the Abia Central Senatorial District.
“This notice serves to guide our members and intending aspirants in the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.
“This decision is taken in the interest of equity, justice, and fair play, and in line with the party’s commitment to balanced representation across the three senatorial zones,” the APC said.
The party explained that the decision was premised on the fact that the state chairman of the party, Chijioke Chukwu, hails from Abia North Senatorial District, while Abia South District produced the immediate past governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu.
The Abia APC appealed to all aspirants and stakeholders from other zones to respect this decision in the spirit of sportsmanship.
However, despite the appeal by the Abia APC, supporters of Mascot Uzor Kalu have rejected the zoning arrangement, describing it as undemocratic.