Gov Otti, Orji Kalu in war of words over 2027 polls in Abia

The political rivalry ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abia State intensified on Tuesday as Governor Alex Otti and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu traded words over their respective parties’ prospects and influence in the state.

Otti of the Labour Party warned the senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu of the All Progressives Congress to brace for a “crushing defeat” in 2027. Kalu, a former Abia governor, had recently declared that the APC would reclaim the state in the 2027 elections, insisting he would mobilise support for the party’s candidates.

But in a swift response via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Abia Governor dismissed Kalu’s claims.

He denied ever seeking the former governor’s support for a second term, stressing he had neither approached the senator for electoral backing nor attempted to persuade him to work against the APC or its anticipated governorship candidate in 2027.

Otti described Kalu’s repeated public emphasis on refusing to support him as “pedestrian and ludicrous”, arguing that genuine party loyalty is demonstrated through hard work rather than loud declarations.

The Abia Governor also challenged the Senator to publicly release his polling unit and ward results from the 2023 governorship and presidential elections, particularly in Bende Local Government Area, where Kalu hails from.

Governor Otti questioned how President Bola Tinubu lost in Kalu’s constituency during the presidential poll, while Kalu himself won his senatorial election held on the same day, if the senator had indeed worked effectively for the APC.

He further disclosed that four aspirants had already declared interest in contesting the Abia North Senatorial seat on the platform of the Labour Party. He said whoever emerges from the party’s primaries would enjoy his full backing in the 2027 elections.

Responding, Senator Kalu dismissed Otti’s remarks, saying the APC did not need the governor to win Abia in 2027. Kalu, in a statement by his media aide, George Maduka, reaffirmed his determination to deliver the state for the APC, insisting the party remained united and solid in Abia.

The statement argued that the LP, not the APC, was grappling with internal crises, alleging that several LP local government chairmen were now operating from other political platforms, including the Zenith Labour Party and the Young Progressives Party.

Kalu also challenged Otti to deny claims that he visited his residence in Igbere late at night on the eve of the 2023 election.

He further alleged that key figures in the LP’s 2023 campaign, including Chief Umeh Kalu (SAN) had held discussions with him over the governorship race.

The senator accused Otti of overrating his political relevance, insisting that broad stakeholder intervention was required before he eventually emerged governor in 2023.