Kalu calls on Governor Otti to join APC, announces N1 billion business support initiative.
The invitation comes as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. APC is seeking to consolidate its position in southeastern states, where the party has historically faced competition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).
Alex Otti
Governor Alex Otti, a former banker and economist, assumed office as Governor of Abia State in 2023. He was elected under the Labour Party platform, which gained national attention after the 2023 presidential election when LP secured significant votes in southeastern Nigeria.
Abia State, with an estimated population of 3.7 million according to the National Population Commission 2023, has historically experienced political competition between APC, PDP, and smaller parties such as LP. The state contributes 16 seats to the House of Representatives and three to the Senate.
Otti’s tenure has focused on fiscal management, infrastructural development, and youth empowerment programs. The governor’s alignment is considered strategic for party consolidation ahead of future federal and state elections.
APC Strategy in Abia State
Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, highlighted the party’s openness to leaders willing to work collectively. He said APC aims to strengthen its position in Abia by attracting high-profile politicians like Otti.
Kalu stressed that APC leadership under President Bola Tinubu supports local party consolidation and strategic alignment of state-level leaders.
The Deputy Speaker cited the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the framework for governance, which includes infrastructural investment, economic empowerment, and national security initiatives.
He noted that APC leadership encourages consultations with state actors, and that decisions regarding alignment or defection are expected to be guided by party directives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Grassroots Programs and Economic Interventions
During the town hall meeting, Kalu announced a N1 billion intervention to support 2,000 small and medium-scale businesses across Abia State.
The initiative is designed to distribute approximately N500,000 per beneficiary and is expected to involve federal agencies including the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Kalu emphasized that the initiative is intended to stimulate economic activity at the grassroots level and expand private-sector participation in the state. He added that forms for registration were available at the Renewed Hope Office on Ojike Street, Umuahia, with a 30-day submission period.
The rice distribution component of the town hall program, originally initiated in 2003, was noted as a long-standing humanitarian effort. Kalu clarified that the distribution predated his tenure in public office and was not linked to any political campaign.
Social media speculation regarding political motivations for the initiative was addressed, with Kalu dismissing allegations of politicization.
Legislative Achievements and Accountability
Chief Chris Nkwonta, representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, provided details on Kalu’s legislative record. He noted that Kalu has sponsored over 100 bills, with more than 20 signed into law by the President. The bills covered areas including local governance reform, public finance management, and infrastructural development.
Nkwonta highlighted 58 constituency-level projects executed in under three years, citing roads, health facilities, and educational institutions.
He stated that the Deputy Speaker maintains an office in each constituency and participates in regular town hall meetings to monitor local development.
Political Consolidation in Abia
Kalu reaffirmed that consultations within APC were ongoing regarding the 2027 elections. He stated that the party leadership is assessing potential candidates and aligning state and federal strategies.
He encouraged APC members to participate actively in grassroots mobilisation and electoral preparation.
In his address, Kalu emphasized that the APC seeks to consolidate support in Abia without forming alliances with other political parties, citing electoral trends from the 2023 general elections. He noted that party alignment is critical to strengthening federal and state governance coherence.
Statements on Party Alignment
“Abia will deliver 100 per cent of the votes to APC,” Kalu said. “There is no need for alliances. Abia is APC, and APC is Abia.” The statement aligns with the party’s strategy of consolidating support in southeastern states where it previously struggled against dominant opposition parties.
The Deputy Speaker also outlined the framework for internal party consultation, which includes local chapters, ward committees, and stakeholder forums. He noted that final decisions on candidate selection will follow due process under APC statutes.
APC Leadership Perspective
Mr. Kingsley Ononogbu, APC Chairman in Abia State, addressed the event. He highlighted the party’s economic agenda, citing improvements in fuel supply, stabilization of food prices, and currency exchange rate management under the Tinubu administration.
Ononogbu emphasized that these policies are part of the broader federal framework for economic stability.
Ononogbu confirmed that the APC’s state leadership has coordinated with federal agencies to implement grassroots interventions, including microfinance access, business development support, and youth skills training. He emphasized adherence to statutory frameworks and transparency in fund allocation.
Electoral Preparations
The town hall meeting included discussions on electoral readiness, including voter education, registration campaigns, and compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
Kalu and Ononogbu noted that APC intends to mobilize its members to ensure lawful participation in upcoming elections.
Stakeholders discussed strategies to improve voter turnout, reduce electoral malpractices, and enhance transparency. Workshops and community engagements were proposed as ongoing mechanisms for civic participation.
Historical Context of Party Defections in Nigeria
Nigeria has a history of political realignments. According to the National Electoral Commission and political studies at the University of Nigeria, party defections frequently occur before major elections as politicians seek alignment with dominant parties for strategic advantage.
Southeastern states, including Abia, have witnessed multiple shifts between PDP, APC, and LP in the past decade.
Between 2011 and 2023, over 50 state-level officials in the southeast realigned to dominant parties, typically for policy influence, federal resource access, or electoral positioning. Analysts note that these moves are often timed ahead of national elections.
2027 Election Outlook
The 2027 general elections are scheduled for February-March 2027. APC’s consolidation strategy includes candidate vetting, grassroots mobilization, and formal invitations to politicians from rival parties. The party’s agenda emphasizes aligning federal and state governance objectives to maintain policy continuity.
Kalu indicated that APC will monitor performance metrics of elected officials, including legislative output, constituency engagement, and socioeconomic impact, to determine endorsement and support in 2027.
Ongoing Engagement with Constituents
The town hall meetings also addressed local concerns, including access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Kalu reported on interventions in road construction, rural electrification, and youth employment programs. These measures were presented as part of federal-state collaboration under APC-led initiatives.
Additionally, the program included feedback mechanisms for constituents to submit grievances or project proposals. The Deputy Speaker emphasized official documentation of all reports and periodic review of program implementation.
Monitoring and Accountability
APC leaders stated that monitoring mechanisms are in place for all grassroots interventions. Kalu confirmed that independent audits by federal and state agencies, including the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, would review fund utilization. This follows statutory requirements for transparency and accountability in public fund allocation.
Officials also referenced the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data to assess program impact. Preliminary reports indicate positive engagement in over 1,500 small-scale businesses supported since the announcement of the N1 billion intervention.
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The meeting concluded with formal registration for business support programs and confirmation of follow-up schedules.
APC stated that additional town hall events are planned across Abia to ensure uniform access to intervention programs and alignment with party goals.
