2027: Tinubu Assigns Sen Kalu to Lead Abia APC, Floats Automatic Senate Tickets for Him, Yari, Bamidele, Other Key Lawmakers

By Our Correspondent

A former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has been given the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The move is widely viewed as part of broader political adjustments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalu, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, revealed that the directive followed a recent meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Announcing the development on his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him.
“I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
He also highlighted his priorities, focusing on unity within the party and readiness for future elections.
“As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large,” Kalu added.
The development reflects ongoing efforts by the APC to strengthen its grassroots presence in Abia State, where it has traditionally faced strong opposition, while positioning itself for better electoral outcomes.
In a related development that underscores the administration’s political strategy ahead of 2027, there are indications that President Tinubu may consider granting automatic Senate tickets to certain lawmakers.
This was suggested by the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, popularly known as Kauran Gwandu, during a meeting with political stakeholders in the state.
According to him, senators likely to benefit from continuity include Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Kalu (Abia North), and Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), among others.
Also mentioned are Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), Abdullahi Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North), Idiat Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), and Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).
Governor Idris stated that the lawmakers under consideration have played a key role in ensuring stability within the National Assembly, maintaining strong collaboration with the executive arm, and facilitating the smooth passage of major policies and reforms under the current administration.
He noted that their contributions have strengthened governance and enhanced legislative-executive relations, factors believed to be influencing discussions around automatic return tickets.
Although neither the Presidency nor the APC national leadership has officially confirmed the proposal, it has already sparked debate within political circles. Analysts see it as a calculated move to retain experienced legislators while reinforcing political loyalty ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Overall, Kalu’s new coordinating role in Abia State and the reported plan for automatic Senate tickets point to a broader consolidation strategy by the Tinubu administration, aimed at strengthening party structures at the state level while ensuring continuity and stability within the National Assembly.