***Critic Tells Him to Build, Not Undermine Otti’s Development Drive
Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has, through his recent comments questioning the approach and priorities of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, once again drawn attention to himself under the guise of defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement for a second term in 2027. Such comments amount to political eye-service rather than a genuinefor President Tinubu is based on party affiliation, it must be clearly stated that he is at liberty to support whosoever he chooses quietly and without fanfare. Supporting a presidential candidate does not require dragging a working governor into unrelated political calculations or using his name to create unnecessary controversy.
Politics in Nigeria has moved beyond blind party loyalty. The people are awake and can clearly distinguish between right and wrong. Today, voters are more interested in performance and impact than party labels. Claims about the APC gaining momentum do not automatically translate into votes, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and declining living conditions under the current federal administration.
Rather than engaging in political noise or attempting to antagonize a governor focused on delivering results, Senator Kalu should be at the Senate advocating solutions to the pressing challenges facing Nigerians, particularly the widespread insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across the country. That is where his energy and influence are most needed.
It is ironic that Senator Kalu, who governed Abia State for eight years with little or no visible development, now seeks to lecture on governance and development. If there is anyone who should exercise restraint on the subject of Abia State’s progress, it is Senator Kalu himself, given his record as governor, years widely remembered for the absence of people-oriented and visible development.
Having failed to deliver tangible development during his time as governor, Senator Kalu should approach public discourse with humility rather than attempt to lecture a sitting governor whose performance in less than three years is evident across the state. He should bury his face in shame and use his current position as a senator to make amends by delivering meaningful legislative impact and constituency development to the people of Abia North.
Since assuming office, Governor Alex Otti has embarked on massive and visible infrastructural renewal, including the reopening and reconstruction of long-abandoned roads, the restoration of public institutions, and the enforcement of fiscal discipline. For the first time since the return of democracy in 1999, Abia State is experiencing governance that inspires confidence, joy, and a sense of collective renewal where the people can truly cry, laugh, and rejoice in the reality of good governance.
Senator Kalu is therefore advised to desist from politics of bitterness and self-pity and stop using Governor Otti’s name for political manoeuvring. Supporting a presidential candidate in 2027 should not become a tool for undermining a governor who is clearly committed to the welfare and development of his people.
The expectation was that Senator Kalu would use the opportunity of his current office to recover the lost years of his governorship by working tirelessly for the people who elected him. Instead, he appears more interested in calling out a governor whose results are already visible to all.
He should therefore allow Governor Otti to continue the work of rebuilding Abia State. Abia’s current trajectory represents a historic turning point in leadership and governance and should not be hindered by individuals seeking attention or relevance through confrontational politics.
As Abia State continues to witness unprecedented development and responsible leadership, all elected officials past and present are urged to put the interests of the people first, focus on service delivery, and support efforts aimed at consolidating the gains of an administration widely regarded as one of the best-performing in Nigeria today.
Oluchi Oparah
Fmr National Treasurer
Labour Party
06/01/26
