“I Can’t Be Number 6 Citizen While Another Party Governs My State” – Deputy Speaker, Kalu Vows to End LP’s Reign in Abia

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has declared that Alex Otti will be the last Labour Party (LP) governor of Abia State. Speaking in an interview on Spin FM in Abia, Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency, expressed his determination that the next governor of the state will be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kalu cited President Bola Tinubu’s contributions to Abia as a key reason for this shift, emphasizing that the state’s leadership should reflect the party responsible for its development. “This will be the last time that a Labour governor will govern Abia State. I say it without mincing words. The next governor of Abia State will be an APC governor,” Kalu stated.

Despite his personal friendship with Governor Otti, Kalu maintained that his loyalty to the APC takes precedence. He revealed that he has repeatedly conveyed to Otti that the APC should govern Abia. “We are friends, yes. We worked together, yes. But I will not be the number 6 citizen of the country and another party will govern my state. The next election of 2027, an APC governor will be there,” he asserted.

Kalu expressed confidence in the APC’s future in Abia, citing the party’s hard work at both state and federal levels. He pointed to the establishment of the South East Development Commission and the appointment of Abians to key administrative positions as examples of President Tinubu’s commitment to the state. “A president that is appointing Abians into administration will be repaid. A president who is attracting the dividends of democracy will be repaid. We are not ungrateful people. Monkey will not work and baboon will chop. APC will not help the state to be strong, and Labour will take the credit,” Kalu remarked.

He further emphasized that the APC in Abia is determined to end its time on the political fringes. “APC will determine who will become the next governor of Abia State. I don’t care about who the person is. But one thing I know is that the party platform, APC, will produce the next governor of Abia State,” Kalu added.

While acknowledging Otti’s performance, especially within his first 100 days in office, Kalu insisted that his priority is to ensure the APC takes over the state. “The governor is my friend and he is doing well. Comparatively speaking, he is not doing badly within the 100 days in office. I give it to him. I am proud of him. He is my friend. In fact, we spoke today. There is barely a day we don’t speak,” he noted.

However, Kalu was clear that his loyalty lies with his party and its future in Abia. “We have to push for our party to take over the state. I owe Mr. President that, and I owe my party that has given me the number six position that. I am sure the governor knows that I owe my party that, and I am sure the governor will do the right thing at the right time,” Kalu concluded.