In a bold move to strengthen unity and progress in Abia State and the South East region, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has publicly invited Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This invitation was extended during the 2025 Renewed Town Hall Meeting and Christmas Food Distribution event held at Kalu's country home in Bende, Bende Local Government Area, on Monday, December 30, 2025.
The event, which brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, religious groups, party faithful, and residents from across Abia State's 17 local government areas, featured the distribution of over 15 trailer loads of rice and cash support to more than 100 churches, people living with disabilities, the northern community, pro-groups, and support organizations.
Kalu emphasized that the gathering was not only about material aid but also about fostering resilience and hope for the future, stating, "2025 is a year that demands resilience, but also a year that has begun to reveal the fruits of our patience.”
In his address, Kalu highlighted the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in key sectors, including economic reforms, fuel subsidy restructuring, tax policies, power and electricity improvements, education, international relations, security enhancements, social protection, agriculture, food security, and support for MSMEs and job creation.
He underscored the APC's commitment to connecting Abia State to the federal center for greater development and resource allocation.
Turning to the invitation, Kalu reiterated his call for Governor Otti to defect from the Labour Party to the APC, promising unwavering support from the party. "I want to use this opportunity again to invite Governor Alex Otti to join our party. I want to use this opportunity again, publicly, to invite him to come to our party. If he comes to our party, we will support him," Kalu declared.
This gesture comes amid ongoing political discussions in the state, with Kalu addressing speculations about his own potential governorship ambitions for 2027, while affirming his focus on serving the people and following the party's national leadership.
Speakers at the event, including Abia State APC Chairman Kingsley Ononogbu, South East Development Commission Chairman Emeka Nwogu, and Aba South APC stakeholder Dame Blessing Nwagba, echoed Kalu's sentiments, urging residents to embrace resilience and assuring that the APC is positioned to deliver lasting progress for Abia State.
Governor Otti, in a separate response, has dismissed the invitation, emphasizing his priority on delivering good governance in Abia State without immediate plans for defection. However Kalu remains optimistic that such a move would benefit the state by aligning it more closely with the federal government's developmental agenda.