2027 APC CRACKS IN ABIA: APC Supporters Backs Otti, What Does It Mean, Eric Opah’s Fate

2027 APC CRACKS IN ABIA: APC Supporters Backs Otti, What Does It Mean, Eric Opah’s Fate

The political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abia State is taking a dramatic turn, with prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figures openly expressing support for Governor Alex Otti despite their membership of the ruling party.

In a development that could reshape the political calculations ahead of 2027, former Minister Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah and House of Representatives member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, have publicly backed Otti’s second-term ambition.

At the same time, former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has made a striking prediction that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could win Abia State in the 2027 presidential election while Otti retains the governorship.

The developments have triggered fresh conversations over the strength of party loyalty, personal political relationships and the possibility of split-ticket voting in Abia.

Ogah: From APC Chieftain to Otti Supporter

One of the most notable figures in the emerging political realignment is former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah.

Ogah has been a major player in Abia governorship politics.

However, his decision to openly support Governor Otti’s second-term bid has placed him on a different political path from sections of the APC leadership in Abia.

In March 2026, the Abia APC reaffirmed Ogah’s suspension over what the party described as anti-party activities after he backed Otti’s re-election.

Rather than retreat from his position, Ogah continued to publicly express support for the governor.

His position has consequently made him one of the most prominent APC-linked politicians to publicly back Otti ahead of 2027.

The development raises a major question: Can a politician maintain significant influence while openly supporting a candidate outside his party’s political structure?

For Ogah, the answer may become clearer as the 2027 election approaches.

Party machinery remains a critical component of Nigerian elections, and his strained relationship with sections of the Abia APC could become a factor in any future electoral ambition.

Nkwonta: “I’m APC, But My Vote Is for Alex Otti”

The political drama took another turn when Hon. Chris Nkwonta, the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, openly declared his support for Governor Otti.

Nkwonta is a member of the APC, but during the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Akwete-Ndoki in Abia State, he publicly praised Otti’s administration.

The federal lawmaker described Otti as a leader who has redefined governance in Abia State.

In a statement that immediately attracted political attention, Nkwonta declared:

“I’m a member of APC, but I’ll tell you something today, my vote is for Governor Alex Otti.”

He also praised the governor’s performance, stating that Otti had done well in Abia State.

The statement is particularly significant because Nkwonta is not an ordinary political commentator. He is a serving member of the House of Representatives elected on the APC platform.

His declaration therefore introduces another major question into the 2027 political equation:

Will some APC members vote for the party’s presidential candidate while supporting Otti for governor?

If such a pattern becomes widespread, it could have major implications for the political calculations of both the APC and Labour Party in Abia.

Orji Kalu Drops the Bombshell

While Ogah and Nkwonta have openly backed Otti, Orji Uzor Kalu has presented an entirely different but equally striking political scenario.

The former Abia governor and serving senator predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win Abia State in the 2027 presidential election , while Governor Alex Otti would win another term as governor.

Kalu made the prediction during a Channels Television programme, “Talking Politics,” on Wednesday.

When asked whether he believed Tinubu could win Abia despite Otti’s popularity, Kalu responded in the affirmative.

“Sure,” he said.

When pressed further on whether he maintained that position despite Otti’s popularity, Kalu again answered:

“Yes.”

The senator was then asked whether he believed Otti would return as governor after the 2027 election.

His answer was equally direct.

“Yes.”

When the interviewer sought clarification on whether he meant Otti would actually win the governorship election, Kalu again responded:

“Yes.”

How Can Tinubu Win While Otti Wins?

Kalu’s prediction has generated considerable political interest because it suggests a scenario in which Abia voters could make different choices at the presidential and governorship levels.

In other words, voters could support Tinubu for President while simultaneously voting for Otti as governor.

Kalu insisted that the two predictions were not contradictory.

The senator was also asked whether he was working with Otti politically.

He denied having an alliance with the governor.

“No,” he said.

He similarly rejected suggestions that Otti was working with the APC.

Kalu’s position therefore presents a fascinating political scenario ahead of 2027:

Tinubu for President. Otti for Governor.

If that prediction eventually materialises, it would demonstrate the strength of split-ticket voting and the ability of Abia voters to separate their presidential preference from their governorship choice.

“Tinubu won’t leave me” — Abia APC gov candidate Eric Opah reacts after Orji Kalu backs Otti for 2027

The Abia State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eric Opah, has reacted to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s declaration that Governor Alex Otti will win the 2027 governorship election.

The development appeared to prompt a reaction from Opah, who described himself as the candidate of President Bola Tinubu and expressed confidence in the President’s support.

In a viral video, Opah said he would not engage in a public dispute with any APC leader over the differing political positions.

“I am the candidate of Mr. President. Therefore, our hope is very sure. Mr. President will not leave his own party for another political party.

“So, I am not going to join issue with any leader for whatsoever. For me, the same way they believe in Mr. President is the same way I believe in Mr. President. So, there is no question of listening to anybody.

“Whatever anybody says is entitled to his own opinion. So, for me, I believe in what we are doing and I believe in Mr. President.

So, I ask you and since this structure I have been supporting for the last two years, now I will support it more and more and more.”

Opah’s comments come amid growing political manoeuvring in Abia ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

His remarks also highlight the different positions emerging among political figures in the state as parties and their potential candidates begin positioning themselves for the election.

APC Supporters Backing Otti: What Does It Mean?

The statements from Ogah and Nkwonta are particularly significant because both are associated with the APC but have publicly thrown their weight behind Otti.

Their positions suggest that the 2027 Abia election may not simply be a straightforward contest between party structures.

Instead, personal political relationships, perceptions of governance and individual candidates could play an increasingly important role.

Otti’s supporters are likely to interpret the endorsements as evidence that his political appeal extends beyond the Labour Party.

For the APC, however, the situation presents a different challenge.

The party must maintain cohesion while convincing its members and supporters to rally behind its candidates.

The situation becomes even more complicated when influential politicians within the party publicly announce that their personal votes will go to another party’s candidate.

The Bigger Political Picture

Abia’s 2027 political contest is gradually developing into an unusual battle where traditional party lines may not tell the entire story.

On one side, APC figures such as Ogah and Nkwonta are publicly supporting Otti.

On another, Orji Kalu believes Tinubu can win the presidential election in Abia while Otti retains the governorship.

That scenario could produce one of the most intriguing electoral contests in the South-East.

The big question now is whether these individual endorsements will translate into actual votes.

Political endorsements can generate headlines, but elections are ultimately decided by voters.

For Otti, the challenge will be to convert his perceived popularity and cross-party support into a strong electoral coalition.

For the APC, the challenge will be to maintain party discipline while expanding its support base in a state where the Labour Party remains a major political force.

And for the voters of Abia, 2027 could provide a clear test of whether party loyalty remains the dominant factor in determining electoral choices.

2027 ABIA: THE REAL BATTLE HAS BEGUN

With prominent APC figures openly backing Governor Otti and Orji Kalu predicting that both Tinubu and Otti could emerge victorious at different levels, the political calculations in Abia have become considerably more complicated.

The emerging picture suggests that 2027 may not be a simple APC-versus-Labour battle.

It could instead become a contest of personalities, performance, political relationships and individual voter choices.

One thing is already clear:

Abia’s 2027 election is shaping up to be a political battle where party colours may not tell the full story.

And if the predictions of Orji Kalu become reality, Abia could witness a remarkable electoral outcome , Tinubu for President and Alex Otti for Governor.