John Nwaigwe
PRESS RELEASE
RE: FALSE CLAIMS OF CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE WORKING COMMITTEE (SWC)
The attention of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, has been drawn to a press statement credited to a governorship aspirant, Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, alleging that the SWC is involved in a planned meeting convened to endorse a particular aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket.
The SWC wishes to categorically state that this allegation is entirely false, misleading, and without any basis.
For the avoidance of doubt, the State Working Committee has not endorsed any aspirant for the governorship ticket or for any elective position whatsoever. Furthermore, the SWC is not constitutionally empowered to endorse candidates in the manner being alleged. Our responsibility is to provide a neutral administrative platform that guarantees fairness and credibility in the party’s processes.
The only endorsement ever made collectively by the party structure at this level remains that of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with our national obligations and party cohesion.
We reiterate unequivocally that neither the SWC nor the enlarged State Executive Committee (EXCO) has endorsed any aspirant at any level.
Under the leadership of the State Chairman, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, the APC in Abia State remains firmly committed to internal democracy. We are dedicated to ensuring that all aspirants are given a level playing field, and that the forthcoming primaries will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.
While it is not uncommon in the political process for aspirants to raise concerns sometimes as a means of seeking reassurance or gaining strategic advantage, we urge all stakeholders to refrain from spreading unfounded claims capable of causing unnecessary tension within the party.
For clarity, the SWC may attend meetings or events convened by party leaders, stakeholders, or affiliated structures in the course of its duties if invited. However, such participation must not be misconstrued as endorsement, as the EXCO will at all times operate strictly within the bounds of its constitutional responsibilities and remain neutral in all contestations.
As a committee we are focused on delivering victory at all levels for the APC in the coming elections and to ensure that Abia State APC remains united, focused, and committed to delivering a credible electoral process that reflects the will of our members.
Signed:
Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
APC, Abia State Chapter
