The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has criticised Governor Alex Otti over what he described as a vitriolic reaction to his declaration of loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, signed by George Maduka, the Senator described the Governor’s comments as politically desperate and lacking focus on governance, accusing the Abia State Government of resorting to what it termed gutter politics.
According to the statement, Senator Kalu’s affirmation of support for the APC, including backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election and advocating for a strong APC governorship candidate in Abia State, was a legitimate exercise of democratic rights and party loyalty.
The statement rejected claims that the Senator’s position amounted to a declaration of political “war,” insisting that such expressions were normal in a democracy. It faulted the Governor’s response, which it said included personal attacks and references to what it described as imaginary challenges, adding that such language was unbecoming of a sitting governor.
The Senator’s office further accused Governor Otti of hypocrisy, arguing that while he emerged through partisan mobilisation under the Labour Party, he now criticises others for openly supporting their political parties. It maintained that politics was about competition rather than entitlement.
The statement recalled that Senator Kalu had previously acknowledged Governor Otti as a political associate and had suggested that progressive-minded leaders could find space within the APC, which it said had delivered infrastructure, economic reforms and stability at the national level.
It also criticised what it described as the Governor’s reliance on divine rhetoric to justify political authority, while allegedly dismissing the role of opposition in holding those in power accountable.
Raising questions about the Governor’s reaction, the statement suggested that Otti’s comments may be driven by growing APC momentum in Abia State and increasing public dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises.
The statement advised the Governor to focus more on governance issues such as healthcare, youth unemployment and security, rather than engaging in confrontations with political opponents. It said Abians deserved leadership that prioritised development over personal vendettas.
Reaffirming Senator Kalu’s political record, the statement said he had never shied away from electoral contests and that his victories were matters of public record. It challenged the Governor to face the electorate based on performance rather than rhetoric.
The statement further reiterated Senator Kalu’s commitment to the APC, stressing that his political engagement was driven by national unity and development rather than personal ambition. It highlighted his legislative efforts in attracting federal projects to Abia State, promoting South-East interests and fostering national cohesion.
It concluded by urging Governor Otti to focus on governance and avoid name-calling, warning that time was running out for effective leadership. According to the statement, the APC’s ambition in Abia State was not about conquest but about offering an alternative vision of governance.
