The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has publicly explained the reasons behind his repeated invitations to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to defect from the Labour Party (LP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at his residence in Bende Local Government Area, Deputy Speaker Kalu emphasized that the invitation is rooted in longstanding personal friendship, party-building efforts, and a strategic vision to strengthen Abia State’s position within national politics.
“I was asking the governor to join the APC because he was one of us. He was one of those who sprinted his party in this state,” Kalu stated. He highlighted the benefits of political synergy.
“There is collaboration in political movements. There is synergy in political movements. And I felt Abians were isolated when the likes of his brother governors sat down to push for anything that would benefit the southeast. And I said, "it would be good for him to come (to the APC).”
Kalu stressed that Otti’s membership in the APC would open more doors for Abia State, enabling better access to federal opportunities and collaborative platforms for South-East development. He renewed his call for the creation of an additional state in the South-East zone to promote equity, national cohesion, unity, and progress.
Addressing rumours that he is attempting to block Governor Otti from joining the APC possibly due to personal gubernatorial ambitions ahead of 2027, Kalu firmly rejected such claims: “Even the narrative that I want to block him from coming to APC is not true. If I was self-centered, I would have blocked him, but here I am the one inviting him to APC.”
He clarified that his primary focus remains attracting development projects to his Bende Federal Constituency and the broader Abia State, rather than personal executive ambitions.
“Being Governor is not the ultimate ambition for people like me,” Kalu noted. He added that any future political decisions would be determined collectively by the APC and the people of Abia State, not individual calculations.
Kalu reiterated his ongoing APC membership drive in Abia, which has already yielded notable results, such as the defection of former Governor Senator Theodore Orji to the party. He described his outreach to Otti as consistent with his role as a party leader encouraging broader participation.
The Deputy Speaker also dismissed reports of abandoned federal road projects in Bende, affirming that work continues despite occasional delays.
Governor Otti has previously declined similar invitations, citing his commitment to the Labour Party and drawing inspiration from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful journey from opposition to the presidency.
Deputy Speaker Kalu reaffirmed his friendship with Governor Otti, stating it predates politics and will endure regardless of party affiliation, while expressing optimism about stronger collaboration for Abia’s progress.