A prominent stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, High Chief Eugene Orji Ikoro Okoronkwo, has raised critical concerns over the renewed agitation for zoning within the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a strongly worded statement, Okoronkwo questioned the rationale behind introducing zoning at this stage, asking whether such a provision exists within the APC constitution in Abia State. He noted that the party has not produced a governor in the state since its formation, making any zoning claim within the party structure difficult to justify.
According to him, even when viewed from the broader political landscape of Abia State, the issue of equity must be carefully considered. He highlighted the sequence of leadership in the state, noting that past governors have emerged from different senatorial zones, with a recent imbalance that raises concerns about fairness.
He listed the progression of leadership as follows: former governor Orji Uzor Kalu from Abia North (1999–2007), Chief T.A. Orji from Abia Central (2007–2015), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from Abia South (2015–2023), and the incumbent governor, Alex Otti from Abia Central (2023–present).
He observed that while all three senatorial zones have produced governors since 1999, Abia Central is currently occupying the position for a second consecutive time, whereas Abia North last held the office in 2007—nearly two decades ago.
“By 2026, it will be 19 years since Abia North last produced a governor. If equity, fairness, and justice are to be sincerely applied, then the argument clearly tilts in favour of Abia North,” he stated.
Okoronkwo further argued that the return of Abia Central to power in 2023 disrupted the rotational balance, as zoning was effectively set aside during that election. He maintained that if zoning is now being reintroduced as a political principle, then fairness demands that the rotation should revert to Abia North, which has been out of power the longest.
He also warned against any attempt to exclude Abia North from contesting within the APC, describing such moves as “mischief” and a deliberate effort to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Why not allow a free and open contest for all interested aspirants? Whoever emerges should be supported by all party members,” he said.
However, he added that if the party opts for consensus, it must be built around a credible, widely acceptable candidate with the integrity, influence, and political strength required to win the governorship election.
Okoronkwo concluded by urging party stakeholders to act with sincerity, conscience, and a commitment to justice, stressing that only a united and fair approach will position the APC for victory in 2027.
A prominent stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, High Chief Eugene Orji Ikoro Okoronkwo, has raised critical concerns over ongoing debacle and decision of State Working Committee of the All Progressive Congress to zone the 2027 Governorship ticket to Abia Central Senatorial District .
In a strongly worded statement, Okoronkwo questioned the rationale behind introducing zoning at this stage, asking whether such a provision exists within the APC constitution in Abia State. He noted that the party has not produced a governor in the state since its formation, making any zoning claim within the party structure difficult to justify.
In the Statement titled”Zoning and Equity in Abia APC Ahead of 2027, Governorship Election” , he called on the party to allow the contest to be open.
“I do not understand the rationale behind raising the issue of zoning at this critical time. If I may ask: Is there a zoning formula in the Abia APC constitution? If yes, has Abia APC ever produced a governor in Abia State upon which one can base the claim that the first or second APC governor came from a particular zone, and that it is now the turn of another zone? Such a claim cannot be justified under the zoning arrangement being discussed”
“Furthermore, even if we in Abia APC wish to consider the concerns of all political parties and individuals in Abia State with regard to zoning, let us examine the facts. The last three governors are: Chief T.A. Orji from Abia Central, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu from Abia South, and currently, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti from Abia Central. Is any of these three from Abia North for anyone to argue that this time is not the turn of Abia North? The answer is no”
“Ideally, if zoning is to be applied within the general political context of Abia State, then, in the interest of justice and fairness, this period should be the turn of Abia North. And if the issue is strictly about Abia APC’s internal structure, the party has never produced a governor from any zone. Therefore, no part of the state should be denied the opportunity to contest”
In view of this, why not leave the contest democratically open to anyone willing to contest? Whoever emerges victorious should receive the solid support of all party members.
However, if we collectively decide to adopt one candidate unopposed, then we must seek a very credible and generally acceptable person with a good image, influence, and integrity — one who has the capacity to defeat the current governor — and give that person our full support.
“Nevertheless, any position that clearly shows an intention to deny the people of Abia North APC the opportunity to contest at this time is, in all honesty, an act of mischief and a deliberate attempt to destabilize Abia APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Those promoting this position should be aware of its implications. Let everyone search his or her conscience and uphold truth and justice if we must win the coming race.
“One may ask: what about Senator Orji Uzor Kalu , who hails from Abia North?
Yes . Without forgotten that , but even at that, let us logically examine the facts . We have three senatorial zones : Abia North, Abia Central and Abia South .
The sequence of governors since 1999:
| Period | Governor | Senatorial Zone |
| 1999–2007 | Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) | Abia North |
| 2007–2015 | T.A. Orji | Abia Central |
| 2015–2023 | Okezie Ikpeazu | Abia South |
| 2023–present | Alex Otti | Abia Central |
What the pattern shows:
Full cycle completed: Abia North → Abia Central → Abia South. Each zone has produced a governor.
Current anomaly: Abia Central now holds the seat for a second consecutive time since 1999, while Abia North has only had it once, 17 years ago.
Time gap: Abia North last produced a governor in 2007. That’s 19 years by 2026.
“Therefore, if justice, fairness, wisdom and common sense are honestly applied:
Yes, everything in that sequence suggests it should be Abia North’s turn.
“The only way Abia Central got back-to-back terms is because zoning was set aside in 2023 when Alex Otti won under LP. If zoning is now being reintroduced as an argument, then equity demands it rotates back to Abia North, which has been out of power the longest”
