Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Thursday drew a fresh political battle line in Abia State, announcing that his future political energy would be channelled strictly toward strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at his country home in Igbere, the Abia North lawmaker declared an end to any form of political backing for Governor Alex Otti, insisting that whatever support he gave during the 2023 governorship race would not be repeated.
According to Kalu, his decision marks a turning point in his engagement with Abia politics as preparations gradually begin for the next election cycle. The former governor alleged that he played a significant behind-the-scenes role in Otti’s emergence as governor but said recent developments had convinced him to chart a different course.
He explained that his priority now was to mobilise support for the APC in the state, particularly in backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Kalu traced his anger to a statement credited to Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ocha, which criticised him for openly pledging to support Tinubu and working to deliver Abia State to the APC.
He described the statement as unnecessary and disrespectful, noting that it ignored his past contributions and sacrifices. The senator maintained that his loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu remained non-negotiable, stressing that political alliances must be guided by mutual respect and shared goals.
He added that going forward, his focus would be on party consolidation and grassroots mobilisation rather than cross-party support.
Kalu’s comments are expected to reshape political calculations in Abia, as his withdrawal of support adds a new layer of tension to the evolving relationship between key political actors in the state ahead of 2027.
