The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has distanced itself from a recent visit by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to Governor Alex Otti, stressing that the engagement was purely personal and did not represent the party’s position or an endorsement.
In a statement issued by the acting Publicity Secretary, Sterling Urakpa, the APC expressed concern over Kalu’s praise of the Labour Party-led government in Abia, noting it contradicts the party’s established stance on governance in the state.
“The visit to Governor Otti was Senator Kalu’s personal decision and not a party-sanctioned move,” Urakpa stated. “APC in Abia remains firmly opposed to the lack of transparency and persistent governance flaws under the Labour Party administration.”
Urakpa emphasized that the APC is focused on winning the 2027 elections and aligning Abia State with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu. The party warned members against using presidential support as an excuse to fraternize with opposition figures, calling such actions damaging and potentially divisive.
“We won’t tolerate a repeat of 2023, where party loyalty was sacrificed for personal gain,” the statement read.
The APC urged local leaders in Kalu’s and Senator Chris Adighije’s constituencies to monitor political moves closely and protect party unity.
The controversy stems from a weekend visit by Kalu and Adighije to Governor Otti’s hometown of Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South, sparking speculation of a possible defection. Though Otti is under pressure from some APC chieftains to join the ruling party, his office described the meeting as a “friendly visit” in which Otti reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, despite remaining a member of the Labour Party.
The APC reiterated its focus on strategic growth, discipline, and electoral victory, warning that unsanctioned interactions with the opposition could undermine the party’s integrity and long-term goals.
