Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has criticised Abia State governor, Alex Otti, over what he described as an unwarranted and intemperate attack against him for reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Kalu expressed "profound dismay" at Governor Otti's remarks, describing them as politically motivated and unbecoming of a sitting governor.
He said his public support for the APC, President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, and efforts to strengthen the party's presence in Abia State ahead of the 2027 general election were legitimate expressions within a democratic system.
According to the lawmaker and former governor, his actions should not be misconstrued as a declaration of 'political war', but rather as the exercise of his fundamental rights as a party member and an elected representative.
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"The expression of my commitment to bolstering APC's presence in Abia State is not a crime. It is my duty to my party and to the people I represent," Kalu stated.
He accused Governor Otti of resorting to personal insults and inflammatory language instead of engaging in constructive political dialogue, adding that such conduct reflected insecurity rather than leadership.
Kalu described the governor's response as hypocritical, noting that Otti himself rose to power on a party platform and should, therefore, understand the competitive nature of politics in a democracy.
The former Abia State governor said he had previously extended goodwill towards Otti, describing him as a friend and even suggesting that leaders with progressive ideas could find common ground within the APC. He credited the ruling party with delivering infrastructure development, economic reforms, and national stability under President Tinubu.
Kalu also questioned Otti's frequent use of religious rhetoric in political discourse, arguing that democracy thrives on opposition, accountability, and the free expression of political choices.
He further urged the Abia State governor to focus more on governance, particularly in areas such as healthcare, youth unemployment, and security, rather than engaging in political confrontations.
"Abians deserve better than a governor who prioritises personal vendettas over progress," he said.
Reaffirming his confidence in the electoral process, Kalu stated that his political career and past electoral victories demonstrated his readiness for fair political competition. He added that the people of Abia State would ultimately assess performance and make their decision at the polls in 2027
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The Abia North Senator reiterated his unwavering commitment to the APC, stressing that his political engagement is driven by dedication to Nigeria's unity and prosperity rather than personal ambition. He highlighted his record of attracting federal projects to Abia State, advocating for South-East interests, and promoting national cohesion.
Kalu concluded by advising Governor Otti to avoid what he termed "petty name-calling" and to concentrate on governance, warning that "time is running out."
"Abia deserves leaders who build bridges, not those who burn them," he said, adding that the APC would continue to pursue its political objectives through ideas, policies, and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
