I Won’t Back Otti in 2027, I’ll Work for APC — Uzor Kalu

The political rift between Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, widened on Thursday as the former governor announced he would not support Otti in the 2027 elections.

Kalu made the declaration during a press briefing at his country home in Igbere, Abia State, stating that unlike in 2023 when he backed Otti, his focus in 2027 would be on securing victory for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I consider the governor a friend, and in two years I have never criticised him,” Kalu said. “I only said that APC is my party and that I will work for my party to win in 2027. We supported him to win in 2023, but we are not going to do that again. We will work for our party.”

The senator also alleged that Governor Otti received, within two months, funds equivalent to what accrued to Abia State throughout his eight-year tenure as governor. He expressed displeasure over what he described as media attacks by aides of the governor, noting that he had avoided publicly criticising Otti since he assumed office.

Questioning the backlash over his stance, Kalu insisted that declaring loyalty to his party was his right as an APC member.

Commenting on Otti’s performance, Kalu acknowledged that more funds were now flowing into the state but argued that this had not resulted in major new infrastructure projects.

“The money Alex Otti received in four months is what I received in eight years,” he said. “What I see mostly is the repainting and rebuilding of roads constructed during my administration. I have not seen major new roads of the scale we undertook.”

Kalu maintained that his record as governor and senator was verifiable, recalling that education and healthcare were free during his tenure as governor. On his legislative performance, the former Senate Chief Whip described his achievements as unmatched.

“I am in the Senate, and the roads I am doing are brand new farmland roads. In two years, I have done what many people thought was impossible,” he said.

He also denied involvement in electoral malpractice, stressing his belief in the will of the people, and predicted victory for President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 elections.

“I can tell you President Tinubu will win the state and the presidential election. We are prepared,” Kalu said.

On reports of his brother’s governorship ambition, Kalu said there was nothing wrong with aspiring to contest, describing it as a legitimate democratic right. He also dismissed claims of factionalisation within the Abia APC, insisting the party remains united.

Reacting to speculation that Governor Otti might defect to the APC, Kalu said he was unaware of such a move, adding that party membership is a personal decision.

Explaining his support for President Tinubu despite opposing him in 2023, Kalu said politics required moving forward. “Bygones should be bygones. We are moving forward as a party,” he said.

Addressing Abians ahead of 2027, the senator assured them of stronger representation and continued development if re-elected.

“Abia will be short-changing itself if it does not send me back to the Senate,” Kalu said, citing ongoing road and school projects across Abia North.

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