The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed that its rescheduled ward congress will now take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, across all wards in the state. The local government congress is scheduled to follow immediately on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Abia APC caucus, as reported by multiple credible sources including Daily Post Nigeria, Politics Nigeria, Naija News, and others on February 23, 2026. The party emphasized that the new dates follow the recent suspension of the originally planned exercises and reflect ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and credible process.
The ward and local government congresses were initially part of the APC's national timetable for 2025/2026 party reorganization, with ward congresses originally set for February 18, 2026, and local government congresses for February 20, 2026. However, the national leadership—through a letter dated February 18, 2026, signed by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and National Secretary Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru—formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of an indefinite suspension in Abia State.
The suspension was attributed to the need for further consultations, resolution of administrative issues, and preparatory processes to foster unity and transparency. Party sources indicated that the pause aimed to address internal dynamics and prevent potential disputes during the exercises, aligning with the APC's broader goal of building strong grassroots structures ahead of its national convention scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026.
In the lead-up to the rescheduling, key stakeholders in Abia APC, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, convened a pre-congress and national convention stakeholders' meeting in Bende Local Government Area. The gathering reinforced unity behind President Bola Tinubu's leadership and Kalu's role as the undisputed party leader in the state. Kalu announced that nomination forms for congress positions had been secured and would be distributed, stressing the importance of working together to deliver strong support for the president in 2027.
Deputy Speaker Kalu expressed optimism about the rescheduled dates, stating that recent deliberations among caucus members had resolved earlier frictions. He assured that the congresses would be peaceful and rancor-free, with stakeholders unanimously agreeing on far-reaching decisions to strengthen the party. "We met with all the caucus members of Abia State after a little friction that took place when we were to have the Congress last week and to the glory of all, the stakeholders, the critical stakeholders of the caucus have come together and unanimously agreed and took decisions that are far reaching," Kalu said in related reports.
The Abia APC caucus has also clarified that the state congress date remains Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as per the adjusted timetable. This sequence—ward on February 25, local government on February 26, and state on March 3—positions Abia to complete its reorganization in time for zonal congresses on March 21, 2026, and the national convention at the end of March.
The developments come amid efforts to reposition the APC in Abia State, where the party has been working to consolidate its base under Kalu's influence. Recent meetings have seen endorsements from figures like former minister Nkeiru Onyejeocha and other lawmakers, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu reportedly expressing support. The chapter has dismissed speculations linking the initial suspension to external factors, such as rumored defections, insisting the pause was internal and administrative.
Party leaders have called on members to participate actively in the rescheduled congresses to elect credible executives who will drive membership expansion, mobilization, and preparations for the 2027 general elections. The APC in Abia remains committed to peaceful exercises monitored in line with national guidelines and INEC protocols.
As the dates approach, security arrangements and logistical preparations are expected to ensure hitch-free conduct across Abia's 17 local government areas and numerous wards. The rescheduling underscores the party's emphasis on internal harmony and readiness, particularly in a state where opposition dynamics and recent political realignments have heightened focus on grassroots strength.
