The All Progressives Congress on Wednesday carried out its ward congresses across Abia State, with party members participating in the exercise held in different wards, including Umuahia North.
The process was supervised by the Chairman of the APC Ward and Local Government Congress Committee, Emmanuel Goar, who led a team from the party’s National Working Committee to monitor the exercise.
The congresses took place in a calm atmosphere, with party officials and members present at various venues.
Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission were also on ground to observe proceedings in the wards. Party leaders said the exercise followed the harmonisation method earlier adopted by the party leadership to ensure unity and avoid disputes.
After monitoring activities in several locations, Goar expressed satisfaction with the way the congresses were conducted. He noted that members turned out in large numbers and cooperated throughout the process.
According to him, the orderly conduct of the exercise reflected the party’s growing base in the state and its readiness for future elections.
Stanley Ohajuruka, who also spoke during the event, praised members for their participation and thanked party stakeholders, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for their role in ensuring that the congresses went smoothly.
He congratulated those elected at the ward level and reminded them of the responsibility attached to their new roles.
He said ward executives must work closely with members at the grassroots to prepare the party for the 2027 general elections.
The ward congress forms part of the APC’s internal process to elect leaders from the grassroots level ahead of the next electoral cycle. Party officials confirmed that the next stage, the local government congresses, is scheduled to take place on Thursday across the state.
Before the ward congresses began, Benjamin Kalu had addressed party faithful in Umuahia, explaining the decision to adopt harmonisation for both ward and local government congresses.
He said the approach was agreed upon by the party’s leadership to maintain unity and prevent parallel structures. As a member of the party’s National Executive Committee and caucus, he stated that the leadership resolved to avoid multiple processes that could lead to conflict.
Kalu also said the harmonisation model allows stakeholders at different levels to be involved in choosing leaders, making it clear that the party belongs to all members rather than any individual.
He added that earlier disagreements were settled at the national level, paving the way for the smooth conduct of the congresses in Abia State.
With the ward congresses completed and local government congresses set to follow, the party continues its preparations as part of its plans ahead of the 2027 elections.