He described the congress in the state as peaceful and well organized, stressing that there was no winner or loser as the APC won.
Kolawole, a former member of the 8th House of Representatives representing Akoko South West federal constituency of Ondo State, warned that the party would not hesitate to punish anybody or group who conducts parallel congresses in any state.
“The congress was peaceful and well conducted. People came out from the 17 LGAs. There is no victor or loser, APC won. You can see the response, and it was massive. Any individual or group organizing another congress elsewhere is on picnic. The party constitution is very clear that there should be no parallel congresses anywhere. There are sanctions for such individuals or groups.”
Those who were elected at the congress also monitored by the national and state official of the INEC include; Chief Enyinnaya Harbour-Chairman; Chief Grant Nwogu- Deputy Chairman; Chief Chidi Avoaja-Secretary; Mr. Okey Ezeala -Publicity secretary; Mrs Cecilia Erondu-State Woman Leader; Deacon Obinna Atuonwu- Organizing Secretary ,among others who emerged through consensus.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Enyinnaya Harbour, promised to rebuild the party, restore the confidence of Abia people and rescue the state from what he termed the decades of decay and backwardness occasioned by the PDP.
While stressing that the doors of the party are wide open to receive people of goodwill, Harbour warned that the party will not be a breeding ground for anti party activities or tolerate those who are ‘’APC at day and other parties at night.’’
However, the Hon. Donatus Nwankpa led faction held their own congress at the Umuahia stadium with few of their loyalists. As at 4pm, Nwankpa and few chieftains of his faction were said to be holding a meeting at an undisclosed location in the city, even as the few loyalists waited endlessly. Many members of the Nwankpa faction , including the Member representing Isuikwuato constituency at the Abia Huse of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Okoroafor and ex organizing secretary , Chief Obi Aham, were seen at the congress held by the mainstream group led by Chief Ikechi Emenike.
But Nwankpa and his loyalists chose to conduct a parallel congress which was attended by few members of his camp including former speaker of the state Assembly , Chief Martins Azubuike and others.