Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's office fired back at Abia State Governor Alex Otti on January 5, 2026, accusing him of descending into "gutter politics" after criticizing Kalu's declaration of loyalty to the APC ahead of 2027 elections. The response, signed by George Maduka, defends Kalu's support for President Tinubu's re-election and a strong APC gubernatorial candidate as legitimate democratic expression.
Kalu's team dismissed Otti's "vitriolic" reaction laden with personal attacks and claims of political "war" as unbecoming and hypocritical, given Otti's own Labour Party rise. They argued Otti ignores governance issues like healthcare, unemployment, and security while fixating on opponents amid growing APC momentum in Abia.
The statement faults Otti for desperation, unfulfilled promises, and over-relying on "divine rhetoric" instead of constitutional opposition roles. It recalls Kalu's prior overtures for APC accommodation and challenges Otti to compete on performance records, touting Kalu's federal project wins for Abia.
Kalu reaffirms unwavering APC commitment for national unity, urging Otti to prioritize development over vendettas as Abians demand alternatives. The spat highlights intensifying South-East party realignments mirroring Rivers' Wike-Fubara tensions.