Breaking: Taraba Bye-Election — APC Names Sen. Orji Kalu Co-Chair of National Campaign Council

By Our Correspondent

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, as Co-Chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council for the August 16 Karim 1 State Constituency bye-election in Taraba State.

Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), received his appointment in a letter dated August 12, 2025, and personally signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basira.

In the letter, the party commended the former Abia State Governor and immediate past Senate Chief Whip, describing the appointment as:

> “A testament to your exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering commitment to the ideals of our great party, and your deep understanding of the political landscape in Taraba State, particularly the Karim 1 constituency.”

The NWC further emphasised that Kalu’s “proven track record of delivering results” made him the natural choice for the role, assuring him of the party’s full backing to secure victory in the constituency.

The National Campaign Council will be chaired by former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, with Kalu serving alongside four other Co-Chairmen — Hajiya Imam Sulaoman-Ibrahim, Senator Sani Musa, Senator Kaka Shehu, and Senator Jim Kuta. Professor Suwaiba Saidu Ahmad will serve as Secretary.

A full 60-member list of the council was released in a statement jointly signed by APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, and Deputy National Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim. The council’s primary mandate is to secure APC’s victory in the bye-election, which follows the resignation of Hon. Mike Dio Jen from the Taraba State House of Assembly to assume his new role as Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions in Taraba State.

Notable members of the council include Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole; Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Idiat Oluranti; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; and Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

Senator Kalu, with over 500,000 social media followers and a strong offline political presence, is widely recognised as a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He has consistently promoted the government’s policy agenda, especially in economic reforms, education, agriculture, and efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the US dollar.

With only days left until the polls, the high-powered council is set to commence intensive grassroots mobilisation to consolidate APC’s support base, expand its reach, and build momentum for a decisive win in Saturday’s crucial bye-election.