The media office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North and former governor of Abia State, has reiterated the senator’s determination to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, insisting that the party does not require the backing of Governor Alex Otti to succeed in future elections.
In a statement signed by George Maduka and dated January 6, the office described the APC in Abia as “united and solid,” dismissing claims of internal divisions within the party. It argued that if any political party in the state is facing internal crisis, it is the Labour Party, which Governor Otti represents.
The statement pointed to reports that several Labour Party local government chairmen are now operating under other political platforms such as the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), describing this development as evidence of deep-rooted disarray within the Labour Party structure in Abia State.
According to the statement, Governor Otti has overestimated his political influence, noting that his emergence as governor in the 2023 election was only made possible through the intervention and support of key stakeholders across the state. It further challenged Governor Otti to deny claims that he visited Senator Kalu’s residence in Igbere late at night on the eve of the governorship election.
The media office also recalled that prominent figures involved in the Labour Party’s 2023 campaign, including Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, who served as the party’s state coordinator, reportedly held discussions with Senator Kalu during the election period. It questioned why such engagements would have taken place if Senator Kalu was politically irrelevant, as some claims suggest.
The statement accused Governor Otti of avoiding direct engagement with Senator Kalu, urging him to confront the senator personally rather than issuing statements through media aides. It reaffirmed that Senator Kalu remains focused on delivering electoral victories for the APC at all levels in Abia State.
Reiterating his political stance, the statement noted that just as Governor Otti openly supported his party’s candidates, including backing Peter Obi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Kalu has also made it clear that he will stand firmly with President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The media office concluded by reaffirming Senator Kalu’s total and unwavering loyalty to the APC and its leadership, stressing that his commitment to strengthening the party and securing its success in Abia State remains resolute.
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