Abia APC Backs Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Calls for Governor Otti to Rejoin Party
The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following his public call for Governor Alex Otti to return to the ruling party. Governor Otti is currently a member of the Labour Party.
This endorsement signals the APC's strategic intentions to regain control of Abia State in the upcoming 2027 elections. The call by Kalu, a prominent figure within the party, has been welcomed and supported by the Abia APC leadership, as confirmed by the party's state chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu.
In a statement released by the party, Ononogbu expressed strong support for Kalu’s initiative, stating, "We stand with our leader, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on this call and equally put our voice to calling on Governor Otti to return home."
The party's unity was further demonstrated as Ononogbu assured members that the State Executive Committee remains focused on expanding the party's influence and working toward reclaiming Abia State in 2027.
In a related development, the Abia APC has vowed to take disciplinary action against Okey Ezeala, who is accused of impersonating the party's state spokesman. Ezeala allegedly issued an unauthorised apology to Governor Otti, supposedly on behalf of the APC, following Kalu's invitation.
The APC has dismissed Ezeala's apology as "fake, unsolicited, hypocritical, and smacking of bitterness." Dr. Ononogbu clarified that Ezeala's role as the party's Publicity Secretary ended when he contested for a seat in the Abia State House of Assembly during the 2023 elections. The party has announced plans to summon Ezeala for questioning regarding his actions and the source of his authorisation to speak on behalf of the APC.
As the party continues to navigate these internal challenges, Ononogbu has called on all members to remain united and focused on their collective goal of regaining political leadership in Abia State.
The APC is expected to soon announce a new Publicity Secretary as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership structure ahead of future political engagements.
