Fresh political tension appears to be brewing within the All Progressives Congress in Abia State following allegations that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is backing a challenger against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ahead of the 2027 Abia North Senatorial election.
The allegation was made by an APC chieftain and member of the Reality Organization from Ikwun Ihechiowa Ward in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Elder Kalu Kalu, who claimed that the Deputy Speaker was supporting the senatorial ambition of former Abia State Commissioner for Finance, Philip Nto.
Speaking on behalf of the political group, Elder Kalu described the alleged move as “shocking” and a betrayal of Senator Orji Kalu, whom he said played a major role in the political rise of Benjamin Kalu.
“We are shocked that Benjamin Okezie Kalu would go this far against his political mentor and benefactor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. This is someone who stood firmly behind him and supported his political journey when many people doubted him,” he stated.
According to him, Senator Kalu supported Benjamin Kalu’s political ambitions during the 2019 elections despite resistance from some stakeholders within his Igbere community.
The APC chieftain further alleged that Philip Nto personally disclosed during a political meeting that the Deputy Speaker financed his senatorial nomination form to contest against Senator Kalu.
“Nto openly told us during a meeting that the Deputy Speaker paid for his form to challenge his former boss, Senator Kalu. It is disheartening and heartbreaking knowing how Senator Kalu supported Ben, even against the interest of his Igbere community in 2019,” he alleged.
“It is sad that he has chosen to repay Senator Kalu in this manner. Politics should not be about betrayal or fighting the people who helped you rise,” he added.
Elder Kalu, who noted that he is from the same Arochukwu Local Government Area as Philip Nto, however distanced himself and members of his group from the former commissioner’s reported senatorial ambition.
“As for me and my people, Nto is on his own. We will continue to support Senator Orji Uzor Kalu because of his contributions and leadership in Abia North. He should be careful and not allow some people to use him for their selfish political interests,” he said.
He reaffirmed what he described as the unwavering support of members of the Reality Organization and stakeholders in Arochukwu for Senator Orji Kalu’s re-election bid in 2027.
