Aftermath APC Primaries, Kalu Prays For Peace, Unity On Pentecost

By Dr. Violet Akifagbowo

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is stepping up his political moves ahead of the next elections, using recent events in Abia North to back President Bola Tinubu and celebrate his own win in the APC senatorial primary.

The former Abia governor, who now represents Abia North in the Senate, joined thousands of APC members in Igbere Ward A for the party’s presidential primary. Supporters said the gathering was peaceful and lively, with more than 2,000 people turning out to endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid.

After the exercise, Kalu said the crowd showed that people still have confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the APC’s direction. He argued that the turnout reflected growing trust in the president and the “Renewed Hope” agenda.

According to him, the overwhelming support from his ward proves that many Nigerians want continuity and stability. He added that the APC is focused on holding its ground in Abia and expanding its influence across the South-East and beyond.

Kalu also noted that Tinubu got the highest votes in the ward during the primary. Party leaders, he said, are already working to build on that momentum for future elections.

Political observers say Kalu’s public backing of Tinubu is part of a wider push by APC leaders to win more support in the South-East, a region where the party has struggled against stronger rivals.

At the same time, Kalu has been receiving congratulations for winning the APC senatorial primary in Abia North. One message came from Olufemi Adegbulugbe, a Nigerian based in Alberta, Canada. He said he isn’t from Abia and isn’t an APC member, but believes national interest should come before party loyalty.

Adegbulugbe argued that senators make laws that affect every Nigerian, so their work should be judged on national impact, not just local politics. He said he has followed Kalu’s time in the Senate and believes he has shown experience and capacity. He also mentioned other lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly who he thinks are doing well.

The figures from the primary show Kalu won by a wide margin. He secured 65,651 votes, about 96.7 percent of the total, across the 57 wards in Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi.

Adegbulugbe said the result shows that APC members in the district want continuity, experience and competence. He added that the win matters not just for Abia North but could shape politics in the South-East and Nigeria as a whole.

He described the primary as a step that could open more opportunities for Kalu and the region. He also praised other contestants, including Professor Philip Nto, for taking part in what he called a democratic process.

People who watch Abia politics say Kalu’s hold on the APC structure in Abia North shows his influence hasn’t faded since he left office as governor in 2007. Allies point to his background in governance, business and national politics as reasons he remains relevant. Critics say the South-East is still competitive, with other parties fighting hard for control.

Kalu’s recent activities suggest he isn’t stepping back. He seems set on staying visible both in the APC and in national politics.

Alongside the politics, Kalu also sent a message to Christians during Pentecost. He prayed for peace, unity and love, and said the celebration should remind Nigerians to work together for a stable and prosperous country. He expressed hope that the meaning of Pentecost would push citizens to commit to service and national development.

For APC supporters in Abia North, Kalu’s recent wins and statements look like the start of a stronger push in the South-East. Whether the party can make real gains there is still unclear, but its leaders appear determined to build more alliances and strengthen their presence.

• Akifagbowo writes from Australia