Abia APC Distances Itself From Senator Orji Kalu’s Visit To Governor Otti.
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly disavowed a recent visit by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to Governor Alex Otti, labelling it a personal engagement that does not reflect the party’s official stance. The statement, issued by Acting Publicity Secretary Sterling Urakpa, comes amid growing tensions as the APC gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Senator Kalu, representing Abia North and a former governor of the state, visited Governor Otti, a Labour Party (LP) member, on 8 June 2025, accompanied by Senator Chris Adighije. During the visit, Kalu reportedly praised Otti’s administration and urged him to support President Bola Tinubu, while also expressing interest in fostering collaboration between Abia and the federal government. However, the APC swiftly clarified that Kalu’s actions and endorsements were not sanctioned by the party, accusing him of contradicting its position on governance in Abia.
In a strongly worded statement, Urakpa expressed dismay over Kalu’s public accolades for Otti’s administration, citing “persistent conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, and concealment of project costs” under the LP government. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit was a personal engagement and does not, in any way, reflect the position or endorsement of the APC in Abia State,” the statement read. The party reiterated its commitment to unseating Otti in 2027 and aligning Abia with the APC-led federal government.
The APC further cautioned its members against “political fraternisation” with opposition figures, warning that such actions undermine party unity and discipline. Urakpa called on ward and local government executives, particularly in Kalu’s and Adighije’s constituencies, to remain vigilant and protect the party’s interests. “We will not condone a repeat of the 2023 scenario, where some members compromised the party’s integrity for personal benefit,” he added, hinting at potential disciplinary measures.
The controversy has reignited discussions about Kalu’s standing within the APC, with some party stakeholders accusing him of prioritising personal interests. Previous incidents, including his 2023 suspension for alleged anti-party activities and support for his brother’s governorship bid under another party, have fuelled perceptions of disloyalty. However, Kalu has defended his actions, insisting his visit aimed to promote unity and development in Abia, including facilitating potential partnerships with investors like China Power for the state’s power sector.
Governor Otti, responding to the visit, described his relationship with Kalu as one that “predates party politics,” emphasising their shared commitment to Abia’s progress. He also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s economic policies, while dismissing premature talk of 2027 as “playing God.”
As the APC doubles down on its strategy to reclaim Abia, the public fallout with Kalu underscores internal divisions that could shape the party’s prospects. Social media posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Kalu’s statesmanship and others echoing the APC’s call for party loyalty. With the 2027 elections looming, the Abia APC’s focus on unity and discipline will be tested as it navigates this latest controversy.
