The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has explained that his invitation to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was motivated by friendship, party interest and a broader political vision for Abia State.
Kalu made this known on Friday at his residence in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where he dismissed reports suggesting that he was blocking Otti from joining the APC.
He described such reports as false narratives being pushed by political interests uncomfortable with ongoing political realignments in the state.
Addressing the allegation, Kalu said claims that he was working against Otti’s entry into the APC were unfounded.
“Even the narrative that I want to block him from coming to APC is not true. If I was self-centred, I would have blocked him, but here I am the one inviting him,” he said.
Otti has, however, repeatedly stated publicly that he has no intention of joining the APC, maintaining a consistent position on the matter.
The governor has often cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, noting that Tinubu spent many years in opposition before becoming President, a reference Otti uses to argue that remaining outside the ruling party does not diminish political relevance or effectiveness.
Kalu also revealed that his ongoing APC membership drive in Abia State led to the defection of a former governor of the state, Senator Theodore Orji, to the party, describing the move as part of efforts to reposition the APC ahead of future elections.
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He further clarified speculations about his political future, stating that his focus remains on development, particularly in Bende Federal Constituency, rather than the pursuit of executive office.
According to him, any decision regarding future political ambition would be determined by the APC and the people of Abia State, not personal calculations.
The Deputy Speaker also renewed his call for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, describing it as necessary for equity, unity and national balance.
He also dismissed reports that federal road projects he facilitated in Bende had been abandoned, insisting that work on the projects was ongoing despite delays.