The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, has called on Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring him of full support if he joins the ruling party.
Kalu made the call on Monday during his annual Christmas Food Distribution and Town Hall Meeting held at his country home in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
“Let me use this opportunity again, publicly, to invite Governor Alex Otti to join our party. If he comes to our party, we will support him,” Kalu said.
He stressed that the APC remained open to leaders willing to work collectively to strengthen the party and advance its political objectives in Abia State.
The Deputy Speaker said it was always an honour to return home, noting that the National Assembly and the administration of President Bola Tinubu were working in the interest of Nigerians. He described himself as accountable to his constituents and expressed optimism about the country’s future.
Kalu urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu, the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the current administration was laying a solid foundation and building a lasting legacy for future generations.
He also explained that his annual rice distribution programme, which began in 2003, was purely a humanitarian initiative that predated his political career. According to him, the programme had remained consistent for 23 years, despite recent attempts to politicise it.
Kalu dismissed speculations about his alleged governorship ambition, saying he had not declared interest in contesting and remained focused on his current responsibilities. He added that consultations were ongoing within the APC and that he was awaiting direction from the party leadership.
Encouraging party members interested in the 2027 elections to be bold, the Deputy Speaker assured them of President Tinubu’s support for APC candidates. He also called for sustained grassroots mobilisation to further strengthen the party in the state.
On economic empowerment, Kalu announced a N1 billion intervention programme aimed at supporting 2,000 small and medium-scale businesses across all local government areas of Abia State. He said each beneficiary would receive about N500,000 in the first phase, with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) expected to partner to expand the initiative.
He said application forms were available at the Renewed Hope Office on Ojike Street, Umuahia, and must be submitted within 30 days. Describing Abia as an enterprising state, Kalu said the programme would stimulate economic growth and empower residents.
In his remarks, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Nkwonta, described it as a privilege to have Kalu as Deputy Speaker. He said that in less than three years, Kalu had facilitated the delivery of 58 projects, an achievement he described as commendable.
Nkwonta noted that while Abia had previously produced a high-ranking national figure with little to show for it, Kalu’s performance stood in sharp contrast. He added that the Deputy Speaker had sponsored over 100 bills at the House of Representatives, with more than 20 assented to by the President.
He further declared that the APC had been fully harmonised in Abia State, dismissing claims that the party would perform poorly in future elections. “Abia will deliver 100 per cent of the votes to APC. There is no need for alliances. Abia is APC, and APC is Abia,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC in Abia State, Mr Kingsley Ononogbu, praised Kalu’s integrity, vision and grassroots leadership, describing him as a unifying force committed to equitable development across the state.
Ononogbu expressed confidence in the Tinubu-led administration, citing improved fuel availability, reduced food prices and a more stable exchange rate as indicators of progress. He prayed for God’s guidance and strength for the Deputy Speaker to continue serving the nation.
