Uzor Kalu Rejects Imposition of Candidates, Demands Free and Fair APC Primaries

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that he has no prepared list of preferred candidates for the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Abia State, insisting that all aspirants must be given a fair opportunity to contest.

Speaking on the forthcoming primaries and the accusations that he has prepared a list of preferred candidates in the State, Kalu said he had not been tempted to compile any list for candidates seeking tickets for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, or the Senate.

According to the former Governor of the State, the party currently has 63 aspirants contesting for House of Assembly seats, while several others are vying for positions in the Federal Constituencies and the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

“For me as a leader, the important thing is to have transparent primaries,” Kalu stated. “From the ward congresses, people cannot vote for somebody who has not purchased the nomination form.”

He stressed the need for all aspirants, including himself, to agree on a mode of primaries that would guarantee fairness and credibility.

“I want the candidates, including me, to sit down and adopt a mode of primaries that will be free and fair. You cannot tell any of the candidates to step down for another. The right thing to do is to tell them to go to their wards and we will conduct free and fair primaries. Whoever wins will be to the glory of God,” he said.

The former Abia State governor reaffirmed his confidence in the APC, noting that the interest of the party must remain paramount.

“I believe in the party and I believe that the party should come first,” he added.

Kalu further maintained that democracy can only thrive when all aspirants are given equal opportunities during the selection process.

“My belief, as a democrat, is that all aspirants should be given a level playing field during the primaries. I therefore urge other leaders of the APC in Abia State to allow party members to freely elect their candidates. No one should be shortchanged,” he said.