Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified his decision to remain silent regarding a statement made by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, who claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would unseat him in the 2027 elections.
During a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia over the weekend, Otti explained that he opted not to engage with Kalu’s comments because he believes that authority is divinely ordained and bestowed by God.
Recently, a widely circulated video featured Kalu asserting that it would be unusual for him, as Nigeria’s sixth-highest-ranking official, to see another party govern Abia State apart from the APC in 2027.
In response to Kalu’s assertions, Otti stated, “I am not qualified to predict what will transpire in 2027. I do not claim to have divine insight.”
He reiterated that power is a matter of divine providence, not human ambition, and it would be unwise for him to attempt to predict future outcomes.
Additionally, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has urged political figures to refrain from rhetoric and actions that could incite conflict between Governor Otti and Deputy Speaker Kalu.
In response to Kalu’s recent declaration that the APC would take control of Abia State in 2027, Onuigbo, who currently represents the Southeast on the Board of the North East Development Commission, dismissed any notions of a political rivalry between the two leaders.
He passionately called on politicians in Abia State to avoid provocative statements, encouraging them to allow both Otti and Kalu to focus on their dedicated service to the people of Abia.
