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Orji Kalu's Igbo Presidency Dilemma Sparks Abia APC Backing

Published 2 days ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Orji Kalu's Igbo Presidency Dilemma Sparks Abia APC Backing

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has publicly declared its unwavering support for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in his recent demands for enhanced transparency, accountability, and good governance from the Labour Party-led administration in the state. Following remarks made by Kalu during a road commissioning event on October 3rd and a subsequent engagement on October 5th, 2025, which highlighted concerns about the state government's financial practices, the Abia state APC, through its Acting Publicity Secretary Uche Egboka, condemned what it termed "unwarranted mudslinging" directed at the Deputy Speaker. Instead, the party called for constructive engagement on the substantive issues raised.

The Abia APC reinforced Kalu's assertions regarding the state's financial inflows, citing records indicating that the Abia State Government received an average of N38 billion monthly between April and June 2025. Furthermore, the party highlighted a perceived disconnect between the over N1 trillion received since the inception of the current administration and the actual number and scope of ongoing projects across the state. In light of this, the APC chapter aligned with Kalu’s call for greater transparency in project execution, urging that initiatives truly reflect the substantial funds received and deliver tangible impact on the lives of Abians. The party also demanded an investigation into the controversial N54 billion allegedly spent on renovating 51 public schools in 2024. Additionally, it echoed the Deputy Speaker's demands for the prompt payment of outstanding gratuities and the full implementation of the national minimum wage, as approved by the Federal Government. The Abia APC reaffirmed its commitment to "rescuing the state from poor governance" and expressed confidence in taking over the leadership of Abia State in the 2027 general election through the collective will of the people, aiming to align with the Federal Government's agenda for good governance and welfare.

In a separate but related political development concerning Abia State and the national APC, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, openly acknowledged that his political allegiance to the All Progressives Congress dictates his stance on the long-standing agitation for an Igbo presidency. Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, Senator Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, explained that despite his personal belief in the South-East's deserving a shot at the presidency, he is bound by his party's decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. He stated that his commitment to nominating President Tinubu meant that personal aspirations for an Igbo president were "no longer feasible" within his current party framework.

However, Senator Kalu emphasized that principles of fairness, justice, and equity hold greater significance than the geographical origin of a president. While acknowledging the need for the Igbos to secure the presidency, he stressed that a president who demonstrates fairness to all Nigerians and all zones, and ensures justice and equity, should alleviate concerns about their place of origin. When pressed on whether President Tinubu has been fair to the South-East, Kalu offered a cautious reply, stating he was "not in a position to say now" but noted that the region receives "whatever constitutional say" they are entitled to. He concluded by defending President Tinubu, recognizing the inherent challenges and pressures associated with governing and leading the nation, suggesting that the President is actively working to address these complex issues.

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