The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has described his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 as a legitimate exercise of his democratic right and a clear expression of loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu said his endorsement of the President, as well as his advocacy for a strong APC governorship candidate in Abia State, was guided by a commitment to national unity and development, not personal ambition.
He highlighted his legislative track record, citing his role in attracting federal projects to Abia State, advancing the interests of the South-East and promoting national cohesion.
The senator criticised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, over what he described as a vitriolic response to his declaration of loyalty to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his office and signed by George Maduka, Kalu described the governor’s comments as politically desperate and lacking focus on governance, accusing the Abia State Government of indulging in what he termed gutter politics.
The statement dismissed claims that the senator’s position amounted to a declaration of political “war,” insisting that such expressions were normal and expected in a democratic environment.
It faulted Governor Otti’s reaction, which it said was marked by personal attacks and references to what it described as imaginary challenges, adding that such language was unbecoming of a sitting governor.
Kalu’s office further accused the governor of hypocrisy, arguing that while Otti emerged through partisan mobilisation under the Labour Party, he now criticises others for openly declaring support for their political platforms.
Read Also: Tax reforms will drive sustainable economic growth, says NRS Chair
According to the statement, politics thrives on competition rather than entitlement, noting that open alignment and mobilisation are core elements of democratic practice.
It recalled that the senator had previously acknowledged Governor Otti as a political associate and suggested that progressive-minded leaders could find common ground within the APC, which it said had delivered infrastructure, economic reforms and national stability.
The statement also criticised what it described as the governor’s reliance on religious rhetoric to justify political authority, while allegedly downplaying the role of opposition in holding governments accountable.
Questioning the tone of the governor’s response, the statement suggested that Otti’s comments may have been triggered by growing APC momentum in Abia State and increasing public dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises.
It advised the governor to focus on key governance priorities such as healthcare delivery, youth unemployment and security, rather than engaging in confrontations with political opponents, adding that Abians deserved leadership anchored on development rather than personal vendetta.
Reaffirming Senator Kalu’s political record, the statement said he had never shied away from electoral contests and that his victories were a matter of public record, challenging the governor to face the electorate on the strength of performance rather than rhetoric.
The statement concluded by urging Governor Otti to concentrate on governance and avoid name-calling, warning that time was running out for effective leadership. It added that the APC’s ambition in Abia State was not about political conquest, but about offering an alternative and credible vision of governance.
