The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has categorically denied reports that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term in the 2027 general elections. The party described the claims as misleading and malicious propaganda aimed at deceiving the public.
APC Spokesperson Labels Endorsement Report as Propaganda
Uche Aguoru, the APC publicity secretary in Abia State, issued a statement on Friday, May 8, refuting the endorsement narrative. He accused the Labour Party-led administration of Governor Otti of relying on media manipulation and misinformation. Aguoru emphasized that Benjamin Kalu remains a loyal and committed APC member and the undisputed party leader in Abia State.
According to the statement: "At no time, either publicly or privately, has Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term. On the contrary, the Deputy Speaker is fully committed to ensuring that the APC wins all elective positions in Abia State and takes over Government House, Umuahia, come May 29, 2027."
APC Chairman Condemns Traditional Rulers' Partisan Role
Chijioke Chukwu, the APC chairman in Abia, also expressed strong concerns over the use of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council to mobilize support for Governor Otti. He described the development as morally inappropriate, constitutionally disturbing, and democratically unhealthy.
Chukwu stated: "The APC acknowledges that sensitizing citizens to obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is commendable. However, we strongly condemn the open partisan mobilization of traditional institutions for political benefit under the guise of PVC mobilization. Traditional rulers are fathers of all, irrespective of political affiliations. Their revered stools are symbols of communal unity, not campaign platforms."
The party warned that such endorsements could intimidate opposition voices at the grassroots, suppress political plurality, and erode public confidence in the neutrality of traditional institutions. The APC reiterated its determination to unseat the Labour Party administration in Abia State in the 2027 elections.
