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By Tracy Moses
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has challenged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North to brace up for what he described as a crushing defeat in the 2027 general elections, dismissing claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the state.
The governor’s reaction came in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, following reports that Kalu had claimed the APC would capture Abia State in 2027 and that he would actively work for the party’s candidates.
The latest exchange comes amid a long-standing political rivalry that intensified after the 2023 general elections. In that poll, Otti, running on the Labour Party platform, defeated the APC to become governor, ending years of PDP dominance. While the APC lost the governorship, Kalu retained his Abia North senatorial seat, creating a split outcome that has fueled debates over voter loyalty and political strength in the zone. Analysts say statements from both leaders reflect early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, with Abia North expected to be a key battleground.
According to the statement, Governor Otti has never approached Kalu to solicit support for his re-election, nor tried to persuade him to work against the APC. Kalu’s repeated public emphasis on not supporting Otti, the statement said, was unnecessary and increasingly absurd.
“Governor Otti has never appealed to Senator Kalu for support, nor tried to convince him to work against his party or its would-be governorship candidate,” the statement said. “Those who truly support their party and candidates do not make noise about it; they go to work and let results speak for them.” The governor warned that any attempts to threaten or intimidate him would backfire.
“If Senator Kalu’s repeated statements are meant as subtle threats, he is making a costly blunder, because threats toughen rather than frighten or weaken Governor Otti,” the statement added.
Otti also challenged Kalu to provide his polling unit and ward-level results from the 2023 governorship and presidential elections, highlighting the APC’s poor performance in Bende Local Government Area, Kalu’s home base.
“INEC results show that the APC suffered significant losses across polling units and wards in the 2023 governorship and presidential elections in Bende. If Senator Kalu truly worked for President Tinubu and the APC, how did the President lose in his constituency while Kalu won?” the statement questioned.
The statement further disclosed that four aspirants have declared interest in contesting the Abia North Senatorial seat on the Labour Party platform, noting that whoever emerges from the primaries will enjoy full backing from Governor Otti. “Whoever emerges from the Labour Party primaries will receive the full support of the Governor to secure victory in the 2027 elections,” it added.
Separately, PDP Publicity Secretary for the North Central zone, Hon. Idowu Afolabi, praised Otti’s leadership, describing him as committed to restoring hope to the people of the state.
“The emergence of Governor Otti has brought vibrancy, direction, and purposeful leadership to Abia State. Under his watch, the people’s mandate will be protected and strengthened,” Afolabi said.
Similarly, North Central Auditor, Hon. Musa Siyaka Adeiza, commended Otti for his resilience and determination, urging the electorate to rally behind the Labour Party to address economic and social hardships. “A vote for the Labour Party is a vote for emancipation from poverty and insecurity.
Citizens must close ranks, resolve disagreements, and work together in the interest of the state,” Adeiza said.