Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu invited Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a town‑hall meeting and food‑distribution event at his country home in Bende, Abia State, on Monday. Kalu said that if Governor Otti defected to the APC, he would receive the full support of the party’s members in the state. He argued that a governor who truly backs President Bola Tinubu should openly declare his allegiance to the APC.
Kalu clarified that he has not yet decided whether to run for the 2027 Abia State governorship election, noting that he is still consulting and awaiting guidance from the APC’s national leadership. In addressing party members, he expressed a desire to see Governor Otti join the APC, emphasizing that the president’s support would be stronger if the governor were a party member. “If you want to work for the President, join APC. The President will not leave APC and support non‑APC members,” he said.
The deputy speaker also responded to criticism on social media, alleging that hired agents have been used to insult him and to misinterpret his empowerment programmes as a prelude to a gubernatorial campaign. He stressed that his focus is on building APC grassroots structures across Abia State, which he believes will secure victory for President Tinubu and the party in future elections.
Kalu’s comments come as the APC seeks to consolidate its presence in Abia State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. His overtures to Governor Otti may be an attempt to strengthen the party’s chances of success, and observers will watch to see whether the governor heeds the invitation.
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