By Deborah Nnamdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has indefinitely suspended its Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State congresses in Abia State, citing ongoing consultations and the need to conclude administrative preparations.
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated February 18, 2026, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The correspondence was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Professor Mentawe Goshwe Yilwatida, and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Nurujudeen Ajibola Bashiru. It stated that the congresses, earlier scheduled in line with the party’s approved timetable, had been “suspended until further notice.”
According to the party, the suspension is intended to allow the completion of “certain preparatory and administrative processes to ensure an orderly, transparent and credible conduct of the congresses in the state.”
The APC leadership maintained that the move was purely procedural and aimed at safeguarding the integrity of its internal electoral process.
Confirming the development, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the APC had formally notified INEC in compliance with the Electoral Act. He assured members that a new date would be communicated once consultations are concluded.
“A new date shall be communicated in due course,” he said.
The suspension comes amid heightened political activity in the state and speculation surrounding possible shifts in the political landscape, including rumours of a potential defection by Governor Alex Otti.
While the APC did not directly link the decision to any defection reports, observers say the timing has fueled speculation about broader strategic considerations ahead of future electoral contests.
For now, party members and stakeholders in Abia are awaiting further directives from the national leadership as consultations continue.
