From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally appointed the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, as Co-Chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council for the August 16 Karim 1 State Constituency bye-election in Taraba State.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was officially conveyed to Senator Kalu who currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) in a letter personally signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basira, and dated August 12, 2025.
In the correspondence, the party extolled the former Abia State Governor and immediate past Senate Chief Whip, describing the decision as:
“A testament to your exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering commitment to the ideals of our great party, and your deep understanding of the political landscape in Taraba State, particularly the Karim 1 Constituency.”
The Letter, which bore the official seal of the NWC, further stressed that Kalu’s proven record of achievement made him the natural choice for the sensitive role. It stated:
“Your proven track record of delivering results makes you a natural choice for this strategic assignment. Your appointment is effective immediately, and you have the full backing of the party’s machinery to ensure APC’s victory in the constituency.”
The National Campaign Council will be chaired by former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, with Kalu serving as one of five Co-Chairmen.
The other Co-Chairmen include Hajiya Imam Sulaoman-Ibrahim, Senator Sani Musa, Senator Kaka Shehu, and Senator Jim Kuta. The Secretary of the council is Professor Suwaiba Saidu Ahmad.
The full 60-member National Campaign Council was announced in a statement jointly signed by the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, and the Deputy National Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim.
The council’s mandate is to secure the party’s victory in the bye-election, which was necessitated by the resignation of Hon. Mike Dio Jen from the Taraba State House of Assembly to take up his new role as Commissioner for the Ministry of Tertiary Institutions in Taraba State.
Also appointed to the council are high-profile political figures and government officials, including: the Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole; Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Idiat Oluranti; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; and Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who commands a formidable political presence both offline and online boasting over 500,000 social media followers is regarded as one of the most vocal and consistent defenders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He has repeatedly supported and promoted the President’s policy agenda, particularly in the critical areas of economic reforms, education, agriculture, and the administration’s drive to reduce Nigeria’s over-reliance on the United States dollar.
With just days remaining before voters in Karim 1 constituency head to the polls, the APC’s high-powered National Campaign Council is expected to immediately embark on intensive grassroots mobilisation.
The council is tasked with consolidating the party’s existing support base, expanding its influence across the constituency, and generating the momentum necessary to secure a decisive victory in Saturday’s crucial bye-election.
