2027: Tinubu Assigns Kalu To Lead Abia APC, Moves to Retain Key Senators

By Abdullateef Bambgose, Abuja 

Former Abia State governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has been entrusted by President Bola Tinubu with coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State, in what is seen as part of broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission, disclosed that the directive followed a recent visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Confirming the development on his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed on him.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Tinubu for the confidence reposed on me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the APC,” he stated.

He outlined his strategic focus, emphasising party unity and electoral preparedness in the state.

“As the most senior governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the president’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the president’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu added.

The assignment underscores ongoing efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots structure in Abia State, where it has historically faced strong opposition, while positioning itself for improved electoral performance.

Meanwhile, there are strong indications that President Tinubu may be favourably disposed to granting automatic Senate tickets to a select group of lawmakers ahead of the 2027 elections.

This was hinted at by the Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, during an interaction with political stakeholders in the state.

According to the governor, lawmakers under consideration for continuity include prominent senators such as Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.

Also listed are Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North), Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

Governor Idris noted that the senators being considered have played key roles in stabilising the National Assembly by providing steady leadership, fostering synergy with the executive arm and ensuring the smooth passage of critical policies and reforms under the current administration.

He stressed that their contributions have strengthened governance and reinforced legislative-executive cooperation, factors believed to be influencing the consideration for automatic return tickets.

Although there has been no official confirmation from the presidency or the APC national leadership regarding the proposed automatic tickets, the development has already generated significant debate within political circles.

Analysts view it as a strategic effort to retain experienced lawmakers, while consolidating political loyalty ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Taken together, Kalu’s new coordinating role in Abia State and the reported plan for automatic Senate tickets reflect a broader consolidation strategy by the Tinubu administration aimed at strengthening party structures at the state level, while maintaining stability and continuity within the National Assembly.