Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has boldly declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will produce the next governor of Abia State. Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency under the APC, expressed his confidence during an interview where he discussed the future political landscape of Abia State.
Kalu, 53, has served as the spokesman of the House of Representatives before his current role as Deputy Speaker. He is known for his vocal stance on political matters concerning his home state, Abia, which is currently governed by Alex Otti of the Labour Party. Otti, a former bank chief, assumed office as governor following the 2023 gubernatorial election, which saw the Labour Party making significant inroads in the state.
Kalu made it clear that the APC is determined to reclaim Abia State from the Labour Party in the next gubernatorial election, scheduled for 2027. He stated, “This will be the last time that a Labour governor will govern Abia State. I say it without mincing words. The next governor of Abia State will be an APC governor.”
Kalu’s declaration reflects the APC’s broader strategy of expanding its influence across Nigeria, especially in states currently governed by opposition parties. The party has been focusing on strengthening its grassroots support and building alliances to challenge the dominance of other political parties in key states.
Despite his strong words, Kalu maintained that he has a cordial relationship with Governor Otti. He emphasized that their friendship does not change his political stance. “We are friends, we work together, but I will not be the number six citizen of the country and another party will govern my state,” Kalu said, referring to his position as Deputy Speaker, the sixth highest-ranking official in Nigeria.
The 2027 gubernatorial election in Abia State is expected to be a significant political event, as the APC seeks to leverage its position at the federal level to gain control of the state. Kalu expressed confidence that the APC’s efforts at the national level will be recognized and rewarded by the people of Abia State. He pointed to the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as reasons why the state should align with the ruling party at the center.
“I am confident because my government is working hard, the president is working hard, and Abia will repay the president,” Kalu stated. “The president that has given you the South East Development Commission will be repaid. A president that is appointing Abians into administration. A president that is attracting the dividends of democracy will be repaid.”
Kalu’s reference to the South East Development Commission highlights the federal government’s efforts to address the developmental challenges in the South East region, which includes Abia State. The Commission was established to promote economic growth and infrastructure development in the region, which has historically lagged behind other parts of the country in terms of federal investment.
Kalu’s comments also touch on a common theme in Nigerian politics: the idea that states should align with the ruling party at the federal level to secure development projects and appointments. He criticized the notion that the Labour Party, which does not control the federal government, should benefit from the efforts of the APC-led administration.
“We are not ungrateful people. Monkey will not work and baboon chop. APC will not help the state to be strong and Labour will take the credit,” Kalu said, using a popular Nigerian proverb to illustrate his point.
He made it clear that, for him, the most important factor is that the next governor must come from the APC, regardless of who the individual candidate might be.
Despite his strong opposition to the Labour Party retaining the governorship, Kalu acknowledged that Governor Otti has performed relatively well since taking office. He credited Otti with doing better than some other state governors but insisted that this does not change the need for Abia to be governed by the APC.
“Otti has done well, compared to other state governors, but Abia should be under the APC,” Kalu stated. This mixed assessment reflects a nuanced view of Otti’s administration, recognizing achievements while still advocating for a change in political leadership.
Governor Otti, who was elected on the wave of the Labour Party’s rising popularity, particularly in the South East, has focused on various developmental projects in Abia State. However, the Labour Party’s limited influence at the federal level poses challenges for Otti’s government in terms of attracting federal support and resources.
