Kalu made the appeal in Umuahia while reviewing the conduct of the rescheduled ward congresses of the party ahead of the local government congresses scheduled to hold on Thursday in the state capital.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker stressed that unity among party members was critical to achieving electoral success, warning that internal divisions could undermine the party’s chances in future contests.

He urged party faithful across the state to cooperate fully with the Congress Committee overseeing the exercise, which is headed by former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Emmanuel Go’ar.

According to Kalu, collaboration with the committee members would ensure a smooth and credible process capable of strengthening the party’s structure at the grassroots level.

He told stakeholders that peace and cohesion within the party must be prioritised, noting that the national leadership was closely observing developments in Abia State.

“There’s nothing like peace. Let’s stay united and achieve our goal. The President is watching and he is happy with what we are doing,” Kalu was quoted as saying.

The Deputy Speaker described the ward congresses as a significant step toward consolidating the party’s base and preparing for the next phase of internal exercises.

He maintained that building a strong and united structure at ward and local government levels would enhance the APC’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

Kalu also commended party members for their conduct during the rescheduled ward congresses, expressing optimism that the same spirit of cooperation would be sustained during the forthcoming local government congresses.

In his appraisal of the exercise, the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Go’ar, praised the Deputy Speaker and other stakeholders for what he described as their outstanding efforts in ensuring a peaceful and successful process.

He noted that reports from across the state reflected positively on the conduct of the congresses, adding that media coverage, both print and electronic, had highlighted the orderly nature of the exercise.

Go’ar said the positive headlines demonstrated that the party in Abia was moving in the right direction and setting a standard for internal democracy and collaboration.

He further encouraged party members to maintain the momentum as the congress process continues, emphasising that unity and discipline would be essential in strengthening the party’s prospects.

The APC in Abia State has in recent weeks undertaken efforts to stabilise its internal structures following the rescheduling of its ward congresses.

Party leaders say the ongoing exercises are aimed at consolidating grassroots support and positioning the APC as a formidable force in the state ahead of future electoral contests.

Observers believe the outcome of the local government congresses will further shape the party’s organisational strength as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

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Umahi made the remarks on Saturday while inspecting ongoing construction at the Alaoji axis of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. He said infrastructure projects and federal appointments under the current administration demonstrate a renewed commitment to the region.

“All the marginalisation we complain about has been addressed by the President,” Umahi stated. “Unless we are not being truthful to ourselves, there is no more marginalisation in the South-East.”

The minister argued that the scale of road rehabilitation and reconstruction across the zone reflects deliberate efforts by the federal government to close development gaps. He cited ongoing works on major corridors linking the South-East with other parts of the country as evidence of progress.

Umahi further said that while political aspirations in the region remain legitimate, it is “not yet the turn” of the South-East geopolitical zone to produce Nigeria’s president. He urged political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize national unity and collaboration.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has shown inclusiveness and responsiveness to long-standing concerns, adding that such gestures would shape electoral outcomes in the future.

“I am confident that the South-East will reciprocate these efforts,” Umahi said, predicting that the President could secure up to 90 per cent support from the region in 2027.

His comments come amid ongoing debates about zoning, equity, and political representation ahead of the next electoral cycle. Calls for a South-East presidency have intensified in recent years, with proponents citing fairness and rotational balance.

During the inspection, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the Alaoji section of the expressway, describing the project as critical to economic activities and regional integration. He commended contractors for adherence to specifications and timelines.

The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway is a strategic artery connecting commercial hubs in the South-East and South-South. Its rehabilitation is expected to ease transportation challenges, enhance trade, and reduce travel time.

Political observers say Umahi’s endorsement underscores efforts by the administration to consolidate support across regions through infrastructure delivery. However, analysts note that voter sentiment in 2027 will likely depend on broader economic conditions, security, and governance outcomes.

There was no immediate reaction from opposition parties, though stakeholders continue to debate the minister’s assertion that marginalisation concerns have been fully resolved.

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Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, which was attended by the President, Agubuzu said he was personally distressed by Kanu’s continued incarceration, describing it as a source of concern for many in the South-East.

Addressing Tinubu during the event, the monarch expressed disappointment that the President was not present earlier in the day when several speeches were delivered. He noted that the summit’s opening remarks emphasized unity, teamwork, and the need to see Nigeria as one family.

“But I must tell you, Mr. President, that personally, I don’t feel very happy because you were not here in the morning,” Agubuzu said. “There were several speeches, and we listened carefully.”

He referenced the address by “His Imperial Majesty,” stating that the message strongly encouraged national cohesion and collaboration among leaders.

“I listened to the opening address by His Imperial Majesty, and he was gingering all of us to work as a family, to work as a team, and to see Nigeria as one. This is good,” the monarch added.

Agubuzu used the occasion to call for what he described as a compassionate intervention by the federal government, urging Tinubu to consider steps that could foster reconciliation and stability.

Although he did not elaborate on specific proposals, the monarch’s remarks drew attention to the longstanding calls from some South-East leaders for a political resolution to Kanu’s case.

Kanu, who faces charges related to separatist agitation, has remained a central figure in debates about security, justice, and national unity. His detention has continued to generate reactions from political, traditional, and civic groups.

The summit, primarily focused on strengthening collaboration between traditional, religious, and government institutions on health issues, provided a platform for broader discussions touching on governance and social cohesion.

There was no immediate response from the Presidency regarding Agubuzu’s appeal. However, officials at the event reiterated the administration’s commitment to national unity and the rule of law.

Observers say the monarch’s intervention highlights the persistent intersection between political concerns and other national conversations, even at gatherings dedicated to non-political themes such as public health.

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The disruption followed mounting tensions around Clauses 51–60 of the bill, which address the contentious issue of electronic transmission of election results. Lawmakers had earlier suspended plenary deliberations after failing to reach consensus on the provisions.

In an effort to break the deadlock, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the chamber to enter a closed-door session. The motion was adopted in the afternoon, with senators retreating for private discussions.

However, videos circulated online shortly afterward showed visibly agitated lawmakers exiting the session. In the footage, some members were heard chanting “APC Ole!” as they walked out, a slogan widely interpreted as a protest directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources within the chamber said the walkout was led by members of the minority caucus, who expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the disputed clauses. The lawmakers reportedly objected to provisions they believed could weaken safeguards around result transmission and electoral transparency.

The Senate leadership did not immediately issue a formal statement on the incident, but insiders indicated that discussions inside the closed session had become heated, particularly over whether electronic transmission of results should be mandatory or subject to contingencies.

Observers said the walkout underscored deep divisions within the upper chamber over reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework. While some senators argue for flexibility to address technical failures, others insist that allowing alternatives to electronic transmission could undermine credibility.

After the interruption, Senate officials moved swiftly to restore order, and plenary later resumed. Deliberations on the amendment bill are expected to continue as lawmakers work toward finalizing key provisions.

Political analysts note that debates over electronic transmission have remained one of the most polarizing aspects of electoral reform, reflecting broader concerns about election integrity, infrastructure limitations, and public trust.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks to refine existing laws governing voter accreditation, result management, and the deployment of election technology ahead of future polls. Lawmakers say the outcome of the ongoing deliberations will play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral process.

Despite Tuesday’s dramatic scenes, Senate leaders expressed optimism that consensus could still be achieved through further consultations.

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Lawmakers approved the bill following a tense debate that centered on Clause 60, particularly sub-clause 60(3), which permits manual transmission where electronic transmission fails. The provision sparked a heated exchange when Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South) demanded a formal division, arguing that retaining Form EC8A as a fallback option could weaken the credibility of elections.

Abaribe insisted the proviso be deleted, warning that allowing manual transmission after an electronic failure could create loopholes vulnerable to manipulation. He maintained that the integrity of the process would be better protected by making electronic transmission mandatory without exceptions.

The demand drew immediate objections from several senators. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said he believed the request for division had earlier been withdrawn, prompting opposition lawmakers to challenge his assertion. The disagreement quickly escalated, with members raising points of order amid rising tension on the floor.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin invoked Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, contending that reopening debate on a clause already ruled upon would be procedurally out of order. His intervention, however, failed to calm the chamber as lawmakers traded heated remarks.

The situation briefly degenerated into chaos during a face-off between Abaribe and Senator Sunday Karimi, underscoring deep divisions over the balance between technological safeguards and operational contingencies in elections. Order was later restored after repeated appeals by the presiding officers.

Despite the dispute, the Senate proceeded to adopt the clause as presented, preserving the contested sub-clause. The bill was subsequently passed after consideration of other amendments.

The legislation seeks to overhaul Nigeria’s electoral framework by updating provisions on accreditation, result management, political party compliance, and the deployment of election technology. Supporters of the bill said it reflects lessons learned from previous elections and strengthens mechanisms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.

Akpabio described the passage as a significant milestone, stating that the bill would enhance the credibility of the nation’s democratic process. He noted that the inclusion of a manual transmission option was designed to address logistical realities, particularly in areas with poor connectivity or technical disruptions.

Several senators aligned with the leadership argued that eliminating the fallback provision could risk disenfranchising voters if electronic systems fail. They emphasized that safeguards embedded in the clause would ensure that manual processes remain verifiable and subject to oversight.

Opposition voices, however, warned that the decision could generate fresh controversies during elections. They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize technological reliability and minimize circumstances that would necessitate manual intervention.

With Senate approval secured, the bill is expected to be harmonized with the House of Representatives’ version before transmission to the President for assent.

Political observers say the debate highlights enduring concerns about election transparency and the practical challenges of nationwide digital infrastructure. The eventual implementation of the new law, they add, will test Nigeria’s readiness to balance innovation with resilience in electoral administration.

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