Reactions has trailed Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, declaration, that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is determined to wrest power from Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a political gathering in Umuahia on October 5, 2025, Kalu faulted Otti’s administration, alleging that despite receiving what he described as “massive federal allocations,” the governor has failed to make significant progress. He compared Otti’s performance unfavorably with that of his predecessors, Okezie Ikpeazu, T.A. Orji, and Orji Uzor Kalu, whom he claimed achieved similar results with fewer resources.
The statement has drawn widespread condemnation and fueled heated debate across social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians have taken opposing sides. Many users accused Kalu of political arrogance, while others saw his remarks as a reflection of the APC’s renewed ambition to reclaim political dominance in the South-East.
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One user wrote in frustration, questioning the motives of those who attended Kalu’s event: “I wonder what people are doing on that campaign ground honestly. Some people, should I say stupid or foolish or mad?”
Another user, defending Otti’s record, stated: “So Ben Kalu thinks APC will take over Abia in 2027? Perhaps he has forgotten that the people of Abia have already tasted what real governance looks like under Alex Otti—transparency, accountability, and progress. It’s baffling that some still applaud those who left the state in ruins.”
Many reactions portrayed the rally as an attempt to provoke political tension. A user condemned those allegedly paid to attend, saying: “With 2k, rally will always be full. Shame to any Abian that collected money to go for this rally.”
Another suggested that Kalu’s remarks might backfire at the polls: “This man might not win his constituency next election for this horrible statement.”
A recurring theme in the reactions was disbelief over the focus on 2027 when many believe the current administration deserves time to consolidate. One comment read: “They’re talking about 2027 when 2025 is not even balanced yet.”
Some users went further, calling on Otti to challenge Kalu politically in his constituency: “Instead, Alex should ensure that Kalu’s seat is won by Labour Party so he’ll get some sense.”
Critics also accused Kalu and the APC of relying on negative campaigning rather than promoting their own vision. “My problem with this kind of politics is that they don’t sell themselves or their proposed candidates. They just try to tarnish others. That’s how you know a bad potential leader,” one comment read.
Supporters of Otti expressed confidence that no opposition candidate could unseat him in 2027. “Anybody contesting against Otti is wasting money. The whole of Abia is in lockdown for him. The peace and joy Abians now enjoy cannot be traded for politics,” another wrote.
Even non-Abians joined the conversation. “Even as a non-Abian, whoever fights Alex Otti will meet a brick wall. The smooth drive I’m enjoying from Akwa Ibom to Ebonyi after years of abandonment is something to be proud of,” a commenter noted.
Amid fears of political sabotage, others warned that Abia people would resist any attempt to destabilize the state. “We know their playbook: destroy progress, unleash insecurity, then call it politics. Abia isn’t for sale. Otti is building, not looting,” one post read.
Some added humor to their outrage: “Please borrow us Governor Alex Otti in my state for just one year. You get original, you wan change am for Taiwan? EWU!”
As the dust settles, Kalu’s remarks have further polarized opinion in the South-East, a region still adjusting to the shifting political balance brought by Otti’s 2023 victory. With the 2027 race gradually taking shape, analysts believe Abia will once again become a battleground for influence between the APC and Labour Party, where governance performance, not rhetoric, may ultimately determine who wins the people’s mandate.
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