APC accuses Abia of plotting party destabilisation

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has alleged plots by the Abia State Government, to destabilise the party through some former aspirants.

The APC, which claimed that the state government had set aside the sum of N5bn for the agenda, warned that no amount of intimidation, infiltration, financial inducement, blackmail, or political manipulation can derail the party.

In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the party said it was aware of “desperate attempts by the ruling Labour Party administration in the state to use some former aspirants within our party to manufacture an imaginary crisis and destabilise the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

According to the APC, intelligence “indicates that a well-known businessman, a former member of our party and a close associate of Goverrnor Alex Otti, was allegedly used as a conduit to release the sum of N5 billion to certain individuals at the APC national headquarters”.

The party added, “We have further been informed that a portion of these funds was allegedly made available to a frontline aspirant within our party with the sole objective of creating confusion, sowing division, and undermining the unity of our great party.

“We are equally aware of the failed efforts by the Labour Party government to sponsor aspirants for positions in the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly during the recently concluded APC primary elections.

“However, despite the heavy financial inducements and enormous pressure exerted, the APC remained vigilant and resolute. We successfully outsmarted those plots and denied such individuals the tickets they desperately sought to secure through backdoor arrangements”.

The party further noted it was baffling to witness the level of panic being displayed by a government that” boasts of unprecedented achievements and claims overwhelming support among the people. If Governor Otti and the Labour Party are truly satisfied with their performance and confident of the loyalty of Abians, why the desperation?

“Why the frantic attempts to infiltrate and compromise the opposition? Why deploy taxpayers’ money on political misadventures instead of addressing the genuine needs of the people? Why seek to induce political opponents if you are certain of victory at the polls?

“The truth is that no amount of propaganda, social media bullying by paid agents, or manufactured skits can erase the questions that Abians will ask through the ballot box in 2027.”

APC warned the state government that through their votes, “Abians will demand accountability for the 51 smart schools your administration claimed to have built with N54 billion. They will seek answers regarding the N6.7 billion recreational facility budgeted for by your government and the funds already deducted for that purpose.

“They will ask questions about the N4.3 billion taken from the state treasury for the construction of an ICT Centre. Retirees will demand justice over their pensions and gratuities, while civil servants will seek explanations regarding the minimum wage and other entitlements that were unjustly denied.”

According to the APC, the party under the leadership of Hon. Benjamin Kalu, remains the fastest-growing political movement in Abia State and will continue to expand across every ward, local government area, and senatorial district.

It added, “Come 2027, we are confident that the people of Abia State will reject empty promises, lies and dishonesty and embrace genuine leadership”.

The party assured residents that it will not only win the three senatorial seats, the eight House of Representatives seats, and the 24 House of Assembly seats, but we will also secure victory in the presidential election as the party remains focused, united, and fully prepared for the task ahead.