Kalu’s Push for APC in Abia State.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has publicly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will govern Abia State in the 2027 elections, suggesting that current Governor Alex Otti might join the APC. This statement has ignited a debate among Abians and political observers.

Critics view Kalu’s comments as an attempt to undermine the current administration’s performance, suggesting it’s more about party loyalty than the welfare of Abia’s citizens. Many express skepticism about Kalu’s claim, with significant support for Governor Otti’s Labour Party.

Discussions online reflect a mix of political maneuvering and public sentiment, with some seeing Kalu’s statement as an overreach and others interpreting it as a strategic move to influence future elections.

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has been vocal about his intentions to ensure that the All Progressives Congress (APC) takes control of Abia State in the upcoming 2027 elections. Here’s a synthesis of the latest developments and sentiments around this push:

• Political Ambition: Kalu has explicitly stated that the next governor of Abia State will be from the APC, emphasizing his unwillingness to be a high-ranking official in the federal government while his state is governed by another party. This statement reflects his personal and political ambition to align his state with the ruling party at the federal level, suggesting a strategic move to leverage federal power for state development.
• Party Reconciliation Efforts: There’s been an effort within the Abia APC to mend internal rifts. Suspensions on party members were lifted, aiming for unity and strength ahead of future elections. This move indicates a preparation phase where internal cohesion is seen as crucial for electoral success.
• Public Sentiment and Strategy: From X posts, there’s a mix of support and criticism. Some see Kalu’s strategy as typical political maneuvering where aligning with the ruling party at the center could bring more development funds or projects to the state. Conversely, critics argue this move might be more about power consolidation than the welfare of Abia’s citizens, with some even suggesting that any means, including rigging, might be considered to achieve this goal.
• Engagement with the Current Governor: Kalu has publicly engaged with Governor Alex Otti, suggesting that Otti might be the last LP governor of Abia. This could be interpreted as either a direct challenge or an attempt to sway Otti or his supporters towards the APC, showcasing Kalu’s confidence in his party’s future in Abia.
• Strategic Outreach: Kalu’s call for grassroots mobilization and his mention of using his position to benefit the APC in Abia indicates a strategic outreach to expand the party’s base, possibly using federal influence to sway local politics.

The overarching theme from these developments is Kalu’s clear intention to not only ensure APC’s victory in Abia but also to use his federal position to influence state politics significantly. This approach reflects a broader political strategy where aligning state governance with the ruling federal party is seen as beneficial for development, though it’s met with mixed reactions regarding its implications for democratic processes and local governance.