The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially lifted the ultimatum it previously issued to Senator Orji Kalu and Chris Nkwonta, following a stakeholders' meeting aimed at fostering unity within the party as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

This decision was made during a gathering held at the APC secretariat in Umuahia, where party leaders resolved to move past recent grievances. The ultimatum had required Kalu and Nkwonta to apologize for remarks deemed anti-party in nature, particularly in relation to their support for the state governor, Alex Otti, of the Labour Party.

Earlier this month, the State Working Committee (SWC) had condemned comments made by Kalu and Nkwonta, labeling them as “unstatesmanlike, irresponsible, embarrassing and inimical” to the party's unity and electoral prospects. Kalu had reportedly stated in a national television interview that he believed Governor Otti would win the upcoming election, while Nkwonta was quoted expressing his intent to vote for Otti in front of Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

During the meeting on Sunday, Chijioke Chukwu, the State Chairman of the APC, addressed the situation, emphasizing the need for unity within the party. He acknowledged that both Kalu and Nkwonta had reached out to the party leadership to explain their positions, asserting that their comments were not intended to undermine the party.

Chukwu stated, “We have listened to them privately, not publicly, because they are leaders, and they have reached out to us, and we have found out that they have reason for going the way they went.” He added that the party had two options: either to review the situation or to allow the stakeholders to propose a motion to revise the earlier decision. The choice to move forward with the unconditional pardon was made to ensure that all members, regardless of their past actions, could work together for the party's future.

Uzor Azubuike, the APC candidate for the Aba North and South Federal Constituency, also supported the motion for pardon, highlighting its importance in promoting unity within the party. This development signals a shift towards reconciliation and collaboration among party members as they prepare for the crucial elections ahead.

The lifting of the ultimatum reflects a strategic move by the APC in Abia State to consolidate its ranks and present a united front as it approaches the 2027 elections, aiming to enhance its electoral viability in a competitive political landscape.