Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has told Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure the support of the party faithful in the state.
Kalu, however, said what would not be acceptable was for the governor to remain in another party and seek President Bola Tinubu’s support for him in 2027.
The House of Representatives deputy speaker who stated these during a town hall meeting in which food items were distributed said it will not be plausible for Otti to remain in another party and be claiming he is supporting Mr. President or be seeking the President’s support.
He reminded the governor that being in another political party and seeking President Tinubu’s support was tantamount to asking Mr. President to engage in anti party activities which he said was not possible.
“Staying in another party and be seeking President Tinubu’s support amounts to asking Mr. President to be involved in anti party activities which is not acceptable.
“Genuine political support for the President, particularly at the state level, should be anchored within the ruling party.
“Party affiliation remains central to effective cooperation with the federal administration led by President Bola Tinubu.”
Kalu, who many had believed would declare for the Abia governorship seat on the occasion, told the APC faithful that he was still consulting widely within the party and waiting guidance from the national leadership of the party before taking any decision on the matter.
Nevertheless, Kalu was quick to add, “Labour Party (LP) should fervently pray that I do not join the race, let them pray hard that I do not join the governorship race in 2027 because if I do, it is not going to be an easy battle.”
He used the occasion to reel out what he described as President Tinubu’s achievements that should make Nigerians support his administration and ensured he is returned for a second term.
Kalu equally rolled out his own achievements, saying in the last two and half years, he has presented 120 bills before the National Assembly, stressing that they are bills which have direct impact on the lives of the people.
He stated that he has executed over 50 projects in his constituency in addition to over 150 people that were given direct employment at the federal level.
He set up a N1 billion trust fund for micro and small businesses, announcing by February 2026, 200 entrepreneurs will benefit from the fund.
