Umuahia The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to immediately desist from linking Governor Alex Otti to the APC’s ongoing internal political wranglings, particularly those involving the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday by the Labour Party’s State Publicity Secretary, **Emenike Iroegbu**, the party described the APC’s repeated attempts to drag Governor Otti into their affairs as “unacceptable” and driven by panic.
The controversy erupted after the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, accused Governor Otti of allegedly sponsoring a publication that claimed Benjamin Kalu had abandoned his speculated governorship ambition for the 2027 election and had instead endorsed Otti for a second term in office.
LP’s Firm Rejoinder
Reacting sharply, the Labour Party dismissed the allegation as baseless and unnecessary, stressing that the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti has no interest in the personal or political decisions of the Deputy Speaker.
The statement read in part:
> “Ordinarily, the Labour Party would not have dignified such a needless and panic-driven publication with a response, but it has become necessary to advise the Abia APC to desist from the habitual attempt to use the good name of Governor Alex Otti to drive their endless political narratives and internal anxieties.”
The LP emphasized that Governor Otti remains focused on delivering good governance and fulfilling his mandate to the people of Abia State, rather than meddling in the internal affairs of opposition parties.
### Context and Political Undercurrents
The exchange highlights the growing political tension in Abia State as the 2027 general elections approach. Benjamin Kalu, a prominent APC figure and Deputy Speaker of the federal House of Representatives, has been viewed by many as a potential governorship contender in the state. Speculation about his political future has intensified in recent months, prompting various reactions across party lines.
Political observers note that the APC’s accusation may reflect internal discomfort within the party over perceived threats to its ambitions in Abia, especially given Governor Otti’s rising popularity due to his performance in infrastructure development, fiscal prudence, and urban renewal projects since assuming office in 2023.
The Labour Party’s firm stance appears aimed at drawing a clear line: Governor Otti will not be used as a scapegoat or a political tool by the opposition to settle internal scores or deflect attention from their own challenges.
### Party’s Position
The LP reiterated that the Abia State Government is “not concerned” about whether Kalu intends to contest the 2027 governorship election or seek re-election into the House of Representatives.
“This is a clear attempt by the APC to rope in Governor Otti into their self-inflicted crisis,” a party source noted, requesting anonymity. “Governor Otti is busy building Abia and has no time for such distractions.”
As political activities gradually heat up ahead of the next electoral cycle, stakeholders expect more such exchanges. However, the Labour Party has made it clear it will not tolerate any attempt to tarnish the governor’s reputation or distract his administration from its core objectives of transforming Abia State.
The APC is yet to issue an official response to the Labour Party’s latest statement as of the time of this report.