Tinubu Hands Kalu APC Leadership Role in Abia, Weighs Automatic Senate Tickets for Key Allies Ahead of 2027

A former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has been tasked with coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in what observers see as part of wider political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, revealed that the directive followed a recent meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Announcing the development on his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
He also outlined his priorities, highlighting unity within the party and readiness for future elections 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 development signals renewed efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots presence in Abia State, a region where it has traditionally faced strong opposition, while positioning itself for improved electoral outcomes.
In a related development underscoring the administration’s political strategy ahead of 2027, there are indications that President Tinubu may consider granting automatic Senate tickets to selected lawmakers.
This was suggested by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, also known as Kauran Gwandu, during an engagement with political stakeholders in the state.
According to him, those being considered for continuity include notable senators such as Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.
Also mentioned 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 lawmakers under consideration have contributed significantly to stability in the National Assembly through consistent leadership, effective collaboration with the executive arm, and support for the passage of key policies and reforms.
He emphasised that their roles in strengthening governance and promoting legislative-executive cooperation are factors influencing the reported consideration for automatic return tickets.
Although neither the Presidency nor the APC national leadership has officially confirmed the proposal, the development has already sparked debate among political observers, many of whom interpret it as a calculated move to retain experienced legislators and reinforce party loyalty ahead of the next election cycle.
Overall, Kalu’s appointment as Abia APC coordinator and the reported plan for automatic Senate tickets point to a broader consolidation strategy by the Tinubu administration aimed at strengthening party structures at the state level while ensuring continuity and stability within the National Assembly.