Tinubu Taps Kalu to Coordinate Abia APC as Automatic Senate Ticket Talks Emerge
President Bola Tinubu has asked Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to coordinate the activities of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, in a move that signals fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate and is a former governor of the state, said the directive followed a recent visit to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Kalu thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and said he would work with stakeholders across the state to build cohesion within the party.
He said his focus would be to ensure that the APC produces candidates who are widely accepted, united and capable of securing victory in the state, while also supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The development is seen as part of efforts by the ruling party to strengthen its grassroots presence in Abia, where it has traditionally faced stiff competition. The new role handed to Kalu also points to a broader attempt to consolidate the APC’s structure in the South-East ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the Tinubu camp may be considering automatic Senate tickets for some federal lawmakers viewed as loyal to the administration.
The suggestion came from Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris during an interaction with political stakeholders in the state.
According to Idris, those being considered for continuity include Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara West, Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North and Opeyemi Bamidele of Ekiti Central.
Others listed are Yahaya Abdullahi, Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Danjuma Goje and Adetokunbo Abiru.
The governor said the senators under consideration had played key roles in stabilising the National Assembly, strengthening ties between the legislature and the executive, and supporting the passage of important government policies and reforms.
He said those contributions may be informing the push for their return.
There has been no official confirmation from either the Presidency or the APC national leadership on the proposed automatic tickets.
Still, the development has stirred debate within political circles, with observers interpreting it as part of a wider strategy to retain experienced lawmakers and consolidate political loyalty before 2027.
Taken together, Kalu’s new assignment in Abia and the reported consideration of automatic Senate tickets suggest an emerging effort by the ruling party to strengthen its state-level machinery while preserving stability within the National Assembly as the next election cycle draws closer.
