Deputy Speaker Kalu Woos Governor Otti To APC

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has publicly called on Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti to leave the Labour Party and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kalu, who assured Otti of full support if he defects, made the appeal on Monday during his annual Christmas Food Distribution/Town Hall Meeting in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of the state.

“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,” Kalu said.

He stressed that the APC remained open to leaders willing to work collectively to strengthen the party and advance its political objectives in Abia.

Speaking on his home visit, Kalu said the legislature and the President Bola Tinubu-led administration were working for Nigerians, adding that he remained accountable to his constituents.
He urged Nigerians to support Tinubu, the APC, and its Renewed Hope Agenda, saying, “The Tinubu-led administration is building a lasting legacy for future generations.”

Encouraging party members interested in contesting elections in 2027, Kalu assured them of Tinubu’s support for APC candidates and called for sustained grassroots mobilisation in the state.

The deputy speaker announced a N1 billion intervention to support 2,000 small and medium-scale businesses across all local government areas.

Each beneficiary would initially receive about N500,000, with agencies such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and SMEDAN expected to partner to expand the programme.

Describing Abia as an enterprising state, Kalu said the initiative would stimulate economic growth and empower the people.

Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Nkwonta, praised Kalu’s achievements, noting that in less than three years, he had delivered 58 projects.

Nkwonta said, “Abia will deliver 100 per cent of the votes to APC. There is no need for alliances. Abia is APC, and APC is Abia.”

APC Chairman in Abia State, Mr Kingsley Ononogbu, also lauded Kalu for his integrity, vision, and grassroots leadership style, adding that he reflected commitment to equality and development across the state.