Second Term Desperation; Gov Alex Otti’s Clash with APC Leaders & Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu Statesmanly Disposition
Ik Ogbonna
In the volatile landscape of Nigerian politics, Abia State has become a focal point of intrigue and rivalry, particularly between Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP) and prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since assuming office in 2023, Otti has frequently found himself at odds with APC figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. These altercations, often centered on governance critiques, party loyalties, and ambitions for the 2027 elections, highlight deeper fissures in the state’s political fabric. While Otti’s administration has been praised for infrastructural strides, his responses to criticisms have painted him as increasingly defensive and high-handed especially as re-election looms. In contrast, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emerges as a figure of statesmanship, extending olive branches despite the escalating rhetoric.
The Spark with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu
The feud traces back to public exchanges that underscore competing visions for Abia State’s future. In October 2025, Benjamin Kalu publicly berated Otti’s administration, accusing it of underperformance despite receiving substantial federal allocations—around N38 billion monthly. Kalu argued that Otti was failing to deliver commensurate development.
Otti’s response was swift and pointed. He dismissed Kalu’s remarks as unworthy of a reply, emphasizing his focus on governance over political squabbles. However, his administration fired back, suggesting Kalu needed “tutorial more than a microphone” and questioning his motives amid rumors of Kalu’s own gubernatorial ambitions. This exchange escalated into a broader warning from Otti ahead of 2027, signaling his readiness to defend his record against APC challengers. Otti and his media henchmen were all over the media space in an attempt to tarnish the image of the DSP.
Escalation with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
More recently, the tension has intensified with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and a staunch APC loyalist. The catalyst appears to be Kalu’s public pledge to deliver Abia to the APC in the 2027 governorship election, ensuring a landslide victory for the party and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.Kalu accused Otti of “vitriolic and desperate political attacks,” framing the governor’s criticisms as attempts to vilify his unwavering loyalty to the APC.
This pledge by Kalu to work for APC candidates has been interpreted as a direct challenge to Otti’s hold on power, amplifying the quarrels. Yet, amid the barbs, Kalu’s actions reveal a more nuanced approach.
These clashes reflect Otti’s perceived vulnerability as he navigates opposition from a party with national clout. While Otti has touted achievements like free electric buses and industrial revivals his detractors argue that such initiatives mask deeper issues, fueling the narrative of political desperation.
Orji Uzor Kalu’s Gestures of Goodwill
It is interesting that the same Orji Uzor Kalu Alex Otti and his hallelujah boys are challenging had always had kind words for Gov. Alex Otti such that even his party, APC in Abia State expressed reservations on his statesmanly comments on Alex Otti. Despite the recent hostilities, Senator Kalu has consistently demonstrated regard for Otti since the governor assumed office. In June 2024, Kalu visited Otti as his predecessor and brother. By June 2025, another visit saw Kalu commending Otti’s efforts and describing the governor as a friend whose politics he avoids discussing publicly. In January 2025, Kalu arrived with a delegation from China Power to explore collaborations, signaling potential economic partnerships.
Kalu has also used kind words to praise Otti’s performance, urging him to join the APC for greater national alignment and support. These overtures portray Kalu as a model politician—prioritizing unity and development over partisan bickering. His advice to Otti to “quit confrontation and govern” underscores a statesmanlike demeanor, focusing on the people’s welfare amid fleeting political cycles.
A Statesman vs. Desperation for Re-Election
In this ongoing saga, Orji Uzor Kalu stands out as a beacon of maturity. His repeated visits, commendations, and invitations to collaborate reflect a commitment to Abia’s progress beyond party lines. Kalu’s loyalty to the APC is unwavering, yet he extends kindness to a rival, embodying the essence of a statesman who values dialogue and mutual respect.
Conversely, Otti’s responses—dismissing critics, questioning loyalties, and issuing bold warnings—suggest a governor increasingly anxious about 2027. While his achievements are undeniable, the defensive posture hints at desperation to secure re-election, potentially at the cost of broader political harmony. As Abia approaches the next electoral cycle, the contrast is stark: one leader builds bridges, the other fortifies walls. The people of Abia will ultimately decide if statesmanship triumphs over strife.
Ik Ogbonna is PR Practitioner and Journalist.