In a significant political overture, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, has publicly extended an invitation to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to defect from the Labour Party and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This call, made during a high-profile town hall meeting, signals a potential major realignment in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Invitation and Its Implications
Speaking at an annual Christmas Food Distribution and Town Hall Meeting in his Agbamuzu country home in Bende LGA, Kalu stated, “Let me tell you, I want to use this opportunity again, publicly, to invite Governor Alex Otti to join our party. If he comes to our party, we will support him.” This direct appeal goes beyond mere rhetoric; it represents a calculated strategy by the APC to co-opt a popular governor whose victory in the 2023 polls broke the stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia. For the APC, securing Otti would not only grant them an incumbent governor but also significantly weaken the Labour Party’s foothold in the Southeast.
Kalu emphasized that the APC remains “open to leaders willing to work collectively to strengthen the party and advance its political objectives in Abia.” This highlights the party’s broader ‘big tent’ strategy to absorb influential figures from other parties, consolidating power ahead of future electoral contests. The promise of “full support” is a crucial bargaining chip, potentially offering Otti a seamless re-election bid under the APC banner and access to federal resources and alignment.
Beyond the Invitation: Governance, Empowerment, and Political Posturing
The event served multiple purposes beyond the headline-grabbing invitation. Kalu used the platform to align himself and the state’s APC structure firmly with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He asserted that the legislature and the executive are “working for Nigerians” and building a “lasting legacy,” a message aimed at bolstering the party’s national image at the grassroots level.
Perhaps the most substantive announcement was a N1 billion intervention fund for 2,000 small and medium-scale businesses across Abia’s 17 LGAs. Each beneficiary is to receive about N500,000, with partnerships sought from the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and SMEDAN. This initiative, with forms available at a “Renewed Hope Office” in Umuahia, is a tangible empowerment scheme designed to stimulate local economies and create a direct, positive association between the APC and economic development in the minds of Abia residents.
Denials, Unity, and a Show of Strength
Kalu also addressed swirling political rumors head-on. He clarified that his consistent 23-year Christmas rice distribution program, which benefited 3,500 residents at this event, was a humanitarian effort begun long before his political career and should not be politicized. He firmly dismissed speculation about a 2027 governorship ambition, stating, “I have not declared any intention to contest,” and noted he was awaiting direction from the APC leadership. This appears to be an attempt to quell internal party discord and present a united front.
The town hall doubled as a powerful display of APC unity in Abia. Key figures like Chief Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/West, delivered strong endorsements. Nkwonta praised Kalu’s performance—citing 58 projects and over 100 bills sponsored—and made a bold electoral prediction: “Abia will deliver 100 per cent of the votes to APC… There is no need for alliances. Abia is APC, and APC is Abia.” This rhetoric, echoed by State Chairman Kingsley Ononogbu and other chieftains, projects an image of a confident, harmonized party ready to dominate future polls.
Analysis: A Multi-Layered Political Strategy
This event was a masterclass in political communication. On one level, it was a direct recruitment drive targeting the state’s most powerful politician. On another, it was a grassroots empowerment showcase, linking federal agenda to local benefit. Furthermore, it was an internal party rally, strengthening cohesion and ambition for 2027. The inclusion of churches, noted by the DG of the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, Emma Eke, also suggests a deliberate outreach to critical community institutions.
The ball is now in Governor Otti’s court. His response—whether silent, dismissive, or open to discussion—will define Abia’s political trajectory. For the APC, the move is low-risk, high-reward: they have publicly positioned themselves as the inclusive, supportive home for development-focused leaders, regardless of the governor’s ultimate decision. The coming months will reveal whether this public invitation evolves into a serious negotiation, potentially reshaping the Southeast’s political map.
(Edited by Maureen Atuonwu. Source: NAN News)
