ABIA LP FIRES BACK AT APC OVER COMMENT ON ORJI KALU’S VISIT TO GOV. OTTI

The Labour Party in Abia State has vehemently responded to the media publication, sponsored by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State where the party, APC expressed reservations on the visit of the former governor of Abia State and serving Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District Dr Orji Uzor Kalu to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti on Sunday.

In a statement by the media team of the Labour Party, it described the APC’ s position as a move to malign the senator.

The release which acknowledged the right of the APC to comment on their internal party affaires also warned against politicizing a goodwill.

“The attention of the Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, in which it sought to malign the recent courtesy visit by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR. While the APC has every right to comment on internal party matters, it is important to address their thinly veiled attempt to politicize goodwill and project insecurity as principle.”

The state reads:

PRESS STATEMENT
RE: APC’s Petulant Remarks on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Visit to Governor Alex Otti – A Response by the Labour Party, Abia State

The attention of the Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, in which it sought to malign the recent courtesy visit by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR. While the APC has every right to comment on internal party matters, it is important to address their thinly veiled attempt to politicize goodwill and project insecurity as principle.

We respond as follows:

1. A Visit Rooted in Statesmanship, Not Partisanship
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to Governor Otti was an act of mature statesmanship, a gesture befitting two leaders who have served Abia State at the highest level. It was neither a partisan endorsement nor a defection; rather, it was a meeting of minds concerned about peace, progress, and partnership for national development. To cast aspersions on this visit is to demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the basic tenets of political civility.

2. APC’s Misplaced Priorities
The APC’s obsession with policing political gestures is unfortunate, especially when juxtaposed with their glaring silence on real developmental issues in states where they govern. Instead of engaging in petty denunciation, one would expect the Abia APC to offer constructive alternatives or, at the very least, reflect on why Abians overwhelmingly rejected their brand of politics in the last election.

3. Governor Otti’s Record Speaks Loudly.
Under the Labour Party-led administration of Governor Alex Otti, Abia State has witnessed the most far-reaching reforms and infrastructural renewals in decades. From digital governance to fiscal responsibility, workers’ welfare to urban renewal, and the restoration of institutional dignity—such as the new Office of the Secretary to the State Government—Governor Otti has set a gold standard that has drawn national and international commendation. The APC, rather than acknowledge these visible strides, has chosen to dwell in denial.

4. No One Applauds with One Hand
The APC, in a rather tone-deaf conclusion, remarked that “Abians are applauding with one hand.” We respectfully remind them that the thunderous applause across Abia today is with both hands and rightly so. What Abians are celebrating is not propaganda, but performance. Not optics, but outcomes.

5. A Party Still Hurting From Rejection
We understand the discomfort of the APC. Having suffered a resounding rejection at the polls in 2023 despite all attempts at federal muscle-flexing, they remain a party in disarray grasping at strawmen, inventing crises, and policing loyalty while failing to provide leadership. But the people of Abia have moved on, and so must they.

6. Labour Party’s Focus is Governance, Not Gossip
The Labour Party will not be drawn into a pit of political mudslinging. We remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Abia. We call on all well-meaning leaders across party lines to support Governor Otti’s administration in the interest of the state, rather than sowing discord under the guise of party discipline.

In conclusion, let it be known that we welcome dialogue, not diatribe; development, not distractions. Abians are not interested in who visits whom. They are interested in good roads, functioning schools, transparent governance, and dignity restored to public service. That is what Labour represents, and that is what we are delivering.

Media Team
Labour Party, Abia State