Deputy Speaker Kalu Reveals Why He Invited Governor Otti to APC

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has explained why he openly invited Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said the move was based on personal relationship, party growth, and a long-term political outlook for Abia State.

Kalu made this known on Friday at his residence in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. He reacted to reports suggesting that he was secretly working against Governor Otti’s possible move to the APC.

According to him, such claims were misleading and driven by political interests unsettled by ongoing changes in Abia politics.

The Deputy Speaker dismissed the reports as deliberate attempts to distort facts. He said there was no truth in the allegation that he was trying to block the governor from joining the ruling party.

“Even the narrative that I want to block him from coming to APC is not true. If I was self-centered, I would have blocked him, but here I am the one inviting him,” Kalu said.

He explained that his approach to politics was inclusive and focused on building bridges rather than erecting barriers. He added that inviting Otti was not about personal gain but about strengthening political engagement in the state.

Governor Otti, however, has repeatedly stated that he has no plan to join the APC. The Abia governor has maintained this position in several public appearances and interviews.

Otti has often referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a political example. He has pointed out that Tinubu remained in opposition for many years before eventually emerging as president.

According to Otti, staying outside the ruling party does not limit leadership influence or performance.

This stance has continued to generate debate within political circles. Many see it as a broader conversation about the role of opposition parties in Nigeria’s democracy.

During the interaction, Kalu also spoke about recent political developments in Abia State. He revealed that his APC membership drive contributed to the defection of former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, to the party. He said the move altered the political dynamics in the state.

The Deputy Speaker described the defection as part of wider efforts to reposition the APC ahead of future elections. He noted that the party was gradually expanding its base across the state.

Kalu also addressed speculations about his own political ambition. He said his current priority was delivering development to the people of Bende Federal Constituency. He stressed that he was not focused on contesting for executive office.

“ Any decision about future ambition would be left to the APC and the people of Abia State, not personal calculations,” he stated.

On national issues, Kalu renewed his call for the creation of an additional state in the South-East. He said the move was important for fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion.

However, Hon Kalu also responded to claims that federal road projects he facilitated in Bende had been abandoned.

According to him, work is still ongoing, even though progress may appear slow due to logistical challenges.

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