APC Pardons Kalu and Nkwonta Over Anti-Party Allegations

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that it has pardoned Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North, and Chris Nkwonta, who represents Ukwa East/Ukwu East Federal Constituency, following allegations of anti-party activities. The allegations arose after Kalu reportedly stated in a national interview that "Governor Otti of the Labour Party will win the governorship election," while Nkwonta expressed his intention to vote for Otti during a meeting with Bola Tinubu's wife.

In a communiqué issued on August 10, 2026, the State Working Committee (SWC) of the APC demanded that both Kalu and Nkwonta issue a public apology to the party within 14 days. During a stakeholders meeting on August 23, 2026, APC chairman Hon. Chijioke Chukwu explained that the unconditional pardon was part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that both Kalu and Nkwonta had clarified their comments were not made in bad faith.