IPOB Calls on Ndigbo to Reject Alleged Kalu–Kalu Political Alliance

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Ndigbo, particularly residents of Abia State, to oppose what it described as a political alliance between Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the alliance poses a threat to peace, stability, and development in the South East, with specific concern for Abia State.

The group warned Abians against what it termed the return of “manipulative politicians,” alleging that Senator Kalu and Deputy Speaker Kalu are seeking to revive political practices that previously undermined governance and development in the state. IPOB claimed that the current administration in Abia had reversed years of decline and should not be derailed by political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, IPOB accused some politicians within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East of working to destabilise recent progress in the region. It alleged that such efforts were aimed at re-establishing political dominance through godfatherism and control of state resources.

IPOB further stated that Senator Kalu laid the foundation for godfather politics in Abia State and has continued to influence political outcomes by backing successors, a development the group said negatively affected governance from 1999 until 2023.

The group criticised successive administrations linked to the former governor, alleging that Abia State experienced prolonged political and economic decline during that period. IPOB contrasted this with what it described as improved governance and visible development under the current administration of Governor Alex Otti.

IPOB also declared that it considers Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu “unacceptable” candidates ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that it would resist any attempt by them or their allies to regain political control in the state.

The group called on residents of the South East to support leaders it described as committed to development and accountable governance, rather than those it accused of prioritising personal and political interests over public welfare.

The statement concluded by urging Abians to protect what IPOB described as recent gains in governance and to reject any political arrangement it believes could reverse current progress.