Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has issued a compelling call to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, urging him to “stop sitting on the fence” and officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political appeal was made during a town hall meeting and food distribution event held at Kalu’s home in Bende, Abia State. Kalu emphasized that Governor Otti would garner full support from Abia APC members and, more importantly, receive genuine backing from President Bola Tinubu if he aligns with the ruling party. He stated that the President would not extend his full support to a governor from a different political affiliation, highlighting the strategic importance of party unity. The Deputy Speaker clarified his own political future, mentioning that he is still consulting and awaiting signals from the APC national leadership regarding any potential bid for the 2027 Abia State governorship election. He is actively listening to the party’s direction before making any definitive announcements about his intentions. Kalu also addressed what he described as a campaign of misinformation against him, alleging that hired social media agents from Abia State are being used to insult him daily. He believes his empowerment programs and other activities are being deliberately misinterpreted as solely driven by his ambition for the governorship in 2027. The core message from Deputy Speaker Kalu is clear: aligning with the APC offers Governor Otti the most significant political advantages and ensures a stronger working relationship with the federal government. He believes this move is crucial for the development and progress of Abia State. He reiterated that the President’s support is intrinsically linked to party membership, making the decision for Governor Otti a pivotal one for his administration and the state’s future. The invitation to join the APC is presented not just as a political maneuver but as a strategic necessity for effective governance and access to federal resources. Kalu’s address aimed to rally APC members while simultaneously extending a clear olive branch and a strong suggestion to the state governor. The Deputy Speaker’s stance underscores the current political dynamics within Abia State and the national party structure. He believes that Governor Otti’s current position outside the ruling party limits his influence and the potential for collaborative projects. The town hall meeting served as a platform to publicly convey this message and to gauge local party sentiment. The distribution of food items was part of Kalu’s ongoing community engagement efforts, which he feels are being unfairly characterized by his political opponents. Ultimately, the Deputy Speaker’s plea is for Governor Otti to make a decisive political choice that he believes will benefit both the governor and the state of Abia.
