The Chief Whip of the Senate and Leader of the All Progressives Congress Caucus in Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the members of the party to embrace unity and togetherness ahead of the 2023 general election.
The position of the representative of Abia North Senatorial District was made known in a statement he issued on Sunday.
Kalu appealed to the different factions of the party in the state to bury the idea of defecting to another political party amidst the disagreements.
Kalu noted that disagreements are normal in democratic settings, adding that he does not belong to any of the factions.
In his capacity as Leader of the party in the state, Kalu said he was watching very keenly the developments in the APC with a special call on all aggrieved members to remain strong with a view to strengthening the party.
He said defection cannot be the solution to their grievances, adding that everyone should allow the party’s national leadership to address the grievances amicably.
The former two-term Governor of Abia State said: “As the leader of the party, I have been neutral but that does not mean I am paying deaf ears to the grievances by individuals and groups.
“I wish to call on aggrieved members to keep confidence with the party, while we explore all peaceful means for amicable solution.
“I want to state that it is very normal for any member or faction to feel some kind of way, but we must allow the national leadership to use various reconciliation strategies to make the party stronger.
“The wisest actions from all members is to strengthen the party and work with everyone to achieve the common goal of successful outing in 2023.
“The Ward Congress, Local Government Congress and State Congress is over.
“I will encourage everyone who believes in our party to remain steadfast because what is ahead is more and better.
“Abians are strongly behind APC and we have what it takes to wrestle power from the ruling party in the state.”