# Uzor Kalu Urges APC Leaders to Prioritize Grassroots Mobilization Over Rallies Senator Kalu advocates for a leaner campaign structure to strengthen local party engagement. - **Source:** [Premium Times Nigeria](https://www.premiumtimesng.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6c221fbd-a3c1-4284-821c-137854f8b0e0 ## Strategic Shift in Campaigning Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has advised All Progressives Congress leaders to stop following President Bola Tinubu to nationwide campaign rallies. Instead, he suggests that party officials should remain in their home constituencies. This shift aims to prioritize grassroots mobilization over the traditional practice of maintaining large, centralized campaign entourages during election cycles. ## Focus on Local Constituencies Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, emphasizes that party leaders must focus on strengthening structures at the ward and local government levels. By staying in their respective areas, officials can directly engage voters. This approach is intended to build a more robust political foundation ahead of the 2027 general elections. ## Alignment with Campaign Directive The senator’s recommendation aligns with a recent circular issued by the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Signed by Director-General Abdulaziz Yari on 3 November, the directive mandates that ministers and political appointees attend only rallies held in their home states. This policy seeks to improve coordination and ensure consistent presence across various regions. ## Pyramid-Style Mobilization Strategy The APC has officially adopted a pyramid-style mobilization strategy to prepare for upcoming electoral challenges. This framework emphasizes building support starting from individual polling units, moving upward through wards and local government areas. The goal is to ensure that party officials are actively working within their specific jurisdictions rather than following the president. ## Lessons from Past Primaries Drawing from his own experience, Kalu highlighted his success during the May presidential primary. He successfully led over 4,000 APC members from Igbere Wards A and B in Bende Local Government Area. He argues that this localized effort demonstrates the necessity of building direct, personal connections with voters to ensure electoral success. ## Redefining Campaign Effectiveness Kalu argues that a campaign's true effectiveness should not be measured by the size of the entourage accompanying the president. Instead, he believes success is determined by the strength of local party structures and the depth of connection with the electorate. A leaner campaign train allows for more efficient resource allocation and focus. ## Strengthening Party Infrastructure The emphasis on grassroots engagement is a response to the need for sustainable political growth. By decentralizing the campaign, the party aims to maintain a constant presence in communities. This strategy is designed to ensure that the APC remains relevant and responsive to voter concerns at the most fundamental levels of governance. ## Future Electoral Implications As the 2027 general elections approach, the APC is refining its operational model to maximize its reach. The move to restrict political appointees to their home states reflects a broader effort to professionalize campaign logistics. The party's ability to execute this strategy will be a critical factor in its overall electoral performance. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/924306-stop-following-tinubu-to-rallies-uzor-kalu-tells-apc-leaders.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._