By Chimdiogo Amuh 

Senator representing Abia North and former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the Abia State governorship election in 2027.

Kalu made the assertion during his annual New Year visit to the APC Chairman in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, at Ekoli in Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The senator said that despite his personal relationship with the incumbent Abia State governor of the Labour Party, his allegiance to the APC would determine his political actions ahead of the next election cycle.

According to him, he is committed to mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in Abia State, as well as ensuring victory for the APC governorship candidate.

“I am confident that by 2027, Abia State will be captured by the APC. I will work for President Tinubu to win in Abia, and I will also support any APC governorship candidate to emerge victorious,” Kalu said, adding that he was fully dedicated to the party’s success.

The former governor also called on state governors to take greater responsibility for security within their domains, rather than relying solely on the Federal Government.

Recalling his tenure as governor, Kalu said Abia State experienced relative peace and security, with minimal cases of kidnapping and violent crime, even at a time when insecurity was prevalent in other parts of the country.

He commended Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for sustaining peace and security in the state, urging other governors to adopt similar approaches.

Explaining the reason for his annual New Year visit, Kalu described Okoro-Emegha as a loyal and dependable party man who played a significant role in his administration as governor.

He noted that Okoro-Emegha served effectively as Special Adviser and later Commissioner for Internal Security under former Governor David Umahi and currently under Governor Nwifuru, adding that his contributions have helped make Ebonyi State one of the most secure in the country.

Kalu said Okoro-Emegha’s dedication, loyalty and track record in public service earned him the position of APC chairman in Ebonyi State.