The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not belong to any single individual, including President Bola Tinubu.
Kalu made the assertion on Wednesday in Umuahia while speaking to party stakeholders during the APC ward congress in Abia State. He urged members to prioritise unity and solidarity as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that the party is collectively owned by its members.
According to him, the congress was organised as a harmonisation process aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and giving stakeholders a sense of belonging in choosing leaders from the ward level up to the local government and state levels.
He explained that harmonisation promotes relevance and shared responsibility, making it clear that no single person can claim ownership of the party — not himself or anyone else.
Kalu further noted that President Tinubu supports the principle of collective leadership, revealing that during a meeting with the President, he avoided referring to the APC as “my party,” preferring instead to call it “our party.”
The Deputy Speaker said the central goal of the exercise is to eliminate internal rifts and build a disciplined, united platform driven by shared purpose ahead of the 2027 polls.
He also disclosed that a previous ward congress in the state was cancelled after multiple nomination forms surfaced, contrary to the directive of the party’s national leadership. This development, he said, prompted the decision to proceed only with a harmonised congress to strengthen unity within the state chapter.
Earlier, the APC rescheduled its Ward and Local Government congresses to February 25 and 26 following efforts to resolve internal disagreements. The party reiterated its commitment to cohesion, growth, and adequate preparation for the 2027 general elections.