In what could appear as either a political somersault or a hidden agenda, the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that its governorship has been ceded to the Abia Central Senatorial District.

According to reports, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, was seen by many as the frontrunner for the APC ticket and should be the main challenger to Governor Alex Otti come 2027.

New Telegraph recalls that since the rumour of his interest in the governorship race started escalating, Kalu has refused to either declare or come out openly to say he is running for the position.

Uche Aguoru, in his statement, said that the essence of the announcement was for it to guide APC members and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Aguoru’s statement brought serious reactions in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, as many now believe that Kalu’s much-talked-about governorship ambition was either halted or was just a smokescreen by the APC.

The publicity secretary further said that the decision is further premised on the fact that the State Chairman of the Party hails from Abia North Senatorial District, where Kalu hails from.

Aguoru said that while Abia South produced the immediate past governor of the state, it is therefore just and equitable for Abia Central to produce the next governor on the APC platform.

According to Aguoru, “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.

“Since the return of democracy in 1999, Abia State has operated on an understanding of power rotation among the three zones to foster unity and inclusiveness.

“We appeal to all aspirants and stakeholders from other zones to respect this decision of the party in the spirit of sportsmanship. Let us work together to secure victory for our great party.”