The National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially scrapped the zoning arrangement previously set for the 2027 governorship race in Abia State.
This decision comes as a direct counter-order to the State Working Committee, which had initially restricted the ticket to a specific region.
The move by the national body follows a series of petitions and complaints filed by key stakeholders and party leaders within the Abia State chapter.
These members expressed dissatisfaction with the initial plan, prompting a high-level review by the party’s national headquarters.
After evaluating the concerns, the APC leadership determined that a reversal was necessary to maintain internal harmony and uphold the party’s democratic standards.
In a formal communication released on Friday, the APC Abia State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Uche Aguoru, confirmed that the national office has discarded the previous zoning formula.
According to the statement, “Consequently the party has directed that all zoning arrangements earlier issued by the State Working Committee be jettisoned. The party will, therefore, maintain the status quo.”
The directive essentially opens the floor for all qualified members of the party to contest for any elective position without regional restrictions.
This includes seats for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and the governorship. The party emphasized that the race is now open to all interested individuals.
“By this directive, all aspirants interested in contesting for any position from the House of Assembly, Reps, Senate and Governorship, are hereby advised that they are free to approach the party and purchase their nomination forms before the stipulated deadline as outlined by the party,” the statement added.
This development serves as a major U-turn from the party’s position just 24 hours prior. On Thursday, the state chapter had announced that the governorship ticket would be reserved exclusively for the Abia Central Senatorial District.
At the time, the party claimed the decision was made to ensure equity and fairness among the various zones in the state.
The initial announcement had stated, “This is to notify our esteemed members and the general public in Abia State that the All Progressives Congress in Abia State has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to Abia Central Senatorial District.”
That notice was intended to serve as a guide for prospective aspirants, but it has now been rendered void by the national leadership’s intervention.
