By Onyeanya Ebere
The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abia State has distanced itself from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s recent visit to Governor Alex Otti, describing it as a personal move that does not reflect the party’s position.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Sterling Urakpa, the party condemned Kalu’s praise of the Labour Party-led government, saying it contradicts the APC’s stance on governance in the state.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to Governor Alex Otti was a personal engagement. It does not reflect the position or endorsement of the Abia State APC,” the statement read.
The APC accused the Labour Party administration in Abia of lacking transparency, concealing project costs and contracts, and being riddled with unresolved conflicts of interest.
It reiterated that the party’s position had earlier been made clear by State Chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu at the launch of Renewed Hope Partners in Bende Local Government Area on May 28, 2025.
Warning against what it called “political fraternisation,” the party stressed that no APC member should exploit support for President Bola Tinubu as a cover for pursuing personal political gains or diluting party principles.
“We will not tolerate a repeat of the 2023 betrayal where party discipline was sacrificed for personal gain,” Urakpa stated.
He called on party executives at the ward and local government levels especially those in Kalu’s and Senator Chris Adighije’s constituencies to remain vigilant and protect the party’s core values.
“The APC in Abia is focused on enforcing discipline and building a united front capable of reclaiming the state in 2027,” Urakpa affirmed.
He also urged Abians to critically assess Governor Otti’s performance, arguing that widespread public praise for his administration is misplaced.
“Abians must learn to compare their state’s progress with others. The fanfare surrounding less work done despite substantial federal support only highlights what we’ve lost under the Labour Party,” he said. “Abians deserve more than clapping with one hand.”
