Kalu Explains Invitation to Otti to Join APC, Dismisses Blocking Claims

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has explained the reasons behind his invitation to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the move was informed by personal friendship, party interest and a broader political vision for Abia State.

Kalu gave the clarification on Friday at his residence in Bende Local Government Area, where he dismissed reports suggesting that he was working to prevent Otti from joining the APC. He described the reports as false narratives being pushed by political interests uncomfortable with the current political realignments in the state.

Addressing the allegation, the Deputy Speaker said claims that he was blocking the governor’s entry into the APC were unfounded.

“Even the narrative that I want to block him from coming to the APC is not true. If I were self-centered, I would have blocked him. Instead, I am the one inviting him,” Kalu said.

He, however, noted that Governor Otti has consistently maintained that he has no intention of joining the APC, a position the governor has repeatedly stated in public.

According to Kalu, Otti often draws inspiration from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who spent many years in opposition before eventually becoming President. The governor, he said, uses Tinubu’s political journey to illustrate that remaining outside the ruling party does not diminish a leader’s relevance or effectiveness.

The differing positions have continued to generate public debate on political alignment and the role of opposition parties in Nigeria’s democracy.

The Deputy Speaker also disclosed that his ongoing APC membership drive in Abia State recently led to the defection of former governor and senator, Theodore Orji, to the party, a development he said had altered the political balance in the state. He explained that the move was part of efforts to reposition the APC ahead of future elections.

Clarifying speculations about his political future, Kalu said his focus remains on delivering development, particularly in Bende Federal Constituency, rather than pursuing executive office.

“Any decision on future ambition will be left to the APC and the people of Abia State, not personal calculations,” he said.

Kalu further renewed his call for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, describing it as necessary for equity, unity and national balance. He also dismissed reports that federal road projects he attracted to Bende had been abandoned, insisting that work was ongoing despite noticeable delays.