The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said he is inviting Governor Alex Otti to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu made the remarks on Monday at his country home in Bende, Bende Local Government Area, during the 2025 Renewed Town Hall Meeting and Christmas Food Distribution. He explained that his actions were often misinterpreted as signs of a governorship ambition.
According to him, virtually everything he does is being framed as a declaration of interest. He noted that even routine activities or public engagements are quickly labelled as part of a governorship move, insisting that he has not made such a declaration.
Kalu said political opponents had resorted to attacking him on social media, adding that he would not be distracted by online insults. He recalled facing similar attacks during his campaign for the House of Representatives, stressing that social media criticism had never stopped his political progress.
He stated that if he eventually decides to run for governor, it would be after wide consultations with his party and its national leadership, adding that he was still awaiting direction from the party.
The Deputy Speaker again used the occasion to publicly invite Governor Alex Otti to join the APC, assuring him of the party’s support if he makes the move.
Speaking at the event where over 15 trailer-loads of rice and cash were distributed to more than 100 churches, traditional rulers, APC faithful across the 17 local government areas, northern communities, persons living with disabilities, and various support groups, Kalu said the gesture marked the close of a demanding but rewarding year.
He also highlighted the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing reforms in the economy, fuel subsidy removal, fiscal restructuring, tax reforms, power and electricity, education, security, social protection, agriculture, and job creation. Kalu noted that beyond food distribution, his interventions had included infrastructure development and human capacity building.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Ben Kalu Foundation, Trump Eke, said the Deputy Speaker’s long-standing engagement with the people was driven by genuine concern for their welfare, describing the gathering as inclusive and symbolic of renewed hope.
In separate remarks, APC leaders including the party’s Abia State Chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu; Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Emeka Nwogu; and an Aba South APC stakeholder, Dame Blessing Nwagba, urged residents to remain resilient, assuring them that the APC was committed to linking Abia State to the centre.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.