By Isaac Mission
A socio-political group, Reality Organisation, has condemned the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over its decision to threaten Senator Orji Uzor Kalu with disciplinary action following comments he made about the 2027 governorship election.
The organisation described the move by the state party leadership as politically motivated, arguing that Kalu’s remarks during a television interview did not amount to an endorsement of Governor Alex Otti or the Labour Party.
In a statement signed by its representative, Dimgba Okereke, the group said the APC should focus on strengthening its structure ahead of the 2027 elections rather than creating divisions among its members and leaders.
The controversy followed a communiqué issued by the Abia APC State Working Committee, which accused Kalu and another party member, Chris Nkwonta, of making statements considered detrimental to the party’s interests.
Reality Organisation said Kalu had simply responded affirmatively when asked whether President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election and whether Governor Otti could retain his position. It noted that when asked if the APC had an alliance with Otti, the senator reportedly answered in the negative.
The group argued that predicting an election outcome should not be interpreted as publicly supporting a candidate.
It maintained that there was a clear distinction between political analysis and endorsement, saying Kalu’s comments represented his assessment of the political situation rather than a commitment to support the Labour Party.
Rather than threatening disciplinary action, the organisation urged the Abia APC leadership to examine the factors that informed Kalu’s prediction and use them to reassess its strategy ahead of the next election.
The group questioned whether the party could successfully challenge Otti in 2027 without addressing internal weaknesses, reconciling dissatisfied members and improving its appeal among voters.
It also accused the state APC leadership of applying inconsistent standards, alleging that previous political statements critical of Kalu did not attract similar condemnation or threats of sanctions.
According to the organisation, the alleged double standard amounted to selective outrage and could worsen existing disagreements within the party.
Reality Organisation further warned against allowing a small group of individuals to dominate the affairs of the APC in Abia, stressing that the party belongs to all its members and stakeholders.
It cautioned that continued exclusion, intimidation and what it described as high-handed leadership could trigger another internal crisis within the party.
The group said genuine APC members would not remain silent if prominent stakeholders continued to be treated unfairly, hinting that members could take steps to establish an alternative state leadership structure if the situation persisted.
Despite its criticism, the organisation said the best way for the APC to disprove Kalu’s prediction would be through effective political organisation rather than disciplinary threats.
It challenged the party to reconcile its members, end internal divisions, produce a credible candidate and mobilise effectively across Abia ahead of the 2027 poll.
Reality Organisation urged APC stakeholders to prioritise unity and inclusiveness, warning that internal disputes could weaken the party’s chances of making significant gains in the state.
It concluded by calling for an end to what it described as political intimidation and exclusion within the Abia APC.