Former Action Peoples Party (APP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Chief Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu, who made the announcement during a meeting with APC members in Umuahia, said his decision was motivated by a desire to promote unity, peace, and development within the party and the state.
The younger brother of Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu had left the APC in 2022 to form the APP, a move that drew surprise from his elder brother at the time.
He officially returned to the ruling party on October 24, 2025, according to the APC State Woman Leader, Mrs. Udonma Ezinne.
Kalu urged party members to set aside internal differences and work together ahead of the 2027 elections.
“All I am preaching is peace. Divisiveness has held our party back for too long,” he said.
“If all parties were to contribute funds, APC should have the largest, but unity is what will make that possible.”
Reflecting on his performance in the 2023 election, where he placed fourth, Kalu said the outcome represented “the people’s will” and reinforced his commitment to service, inclusiveness, and good governance.
“I stand for local government autonomy and the welfare of civil servants. Let us build an Abia that works for all. Our project is anchored on God. Onye ruo, ya erie, he who works should eat,” he stated.
He emphasised that his decision to rejoin the APC and run again was entirely personal, adding that no one influenced his move.
“I stand before you with humility and hope. I decided to contest because I believe in the future of Abia and the APC,” he said, calling on members to actively participate in the upcoming party primaries.
Several APC leaders at the event hailed Kalu’s return and ambition.
Party chieftain Chief Barr. Ndukwe Peter described the declaration as “historic,” pledging the support of the Reality Organisation for Kalu’s campaign.
Former APC State Secretary, Barr. Perfect Okorie, stressed the need for strategic focus, urging members to rally behind Kalu as a unifying figure.
Similarly, Mr. Ojisi Iroh Ogbaja of the OUK Movement expressed confidence in the APC’s readiness to reclaim Abia’s leadership, encouraging Kalu to sustain grassroots engagement ahead of 2027.
