The office of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has taken a swipe at Governor Alex Otti over what it described as a “vitriolic” reaction to the senator’s declaration of loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by George Maduka on behalf of the Office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the senator accused the Abia State governor of political desperation and a lack of focus on governance, alleging that the state government had descended into what it termed “gutter politics.”
According to the statement, Senator Kalu’s public affirmation of support for the APC — including backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election and canvassing support for a strong APC governorship candidate in Abia State — was a legitimate exercise of democratic rights and party loyalty.
The statement dismissed claims that the senator’s stance amounted to a declaration of political “war,” insisting that such expressions were normal in a democratic setting. It faulted Governor Otti’s response, which it said was laden with 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 rose to power through partisan mobilisation under the Labour Party, he now criticises others for openly supporting their political parties. The statement maintained that politics was about competition, not entitlement.
Recalling past engagements, the statement noted that Senator Kalu had previously acknowledged Governor Otti as a political associate and had suggested that progressive-minded leaders could find accommodation within the APC, which it said had delivered infrastructure, economic reforms and national stability.
It also criticised what it described as the governor’s reliance on divine rhetoric to justify political authority, while allegedly dismissing the constitutional role of opposition parties in holding those in power accountable.
Questioning the motive behind the governor’s reaction, the statement suggested that Otti’s comments may be driven by growing APC momentum in Abia State and rising public dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises.
The senator’s office advised the governor to refocus his attention on governance challenges such as healthcare delivery, 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 credentials, the statement said he had never shied away from electoral contests, noting that his victories were matters of public record. It challenged Governor Otti to face the electorate on the basis of performance rather than rhetoric.
The statement also reiterated Senator Kalu’s unwavering commitment to the APC, stressing that his political engagement was driven by national unity and development, not 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 concentrate 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 political conquest but about offering an alternative vision of governance to the people.
