Prominent Nigerian Governor Asked to Return to Ruling APC, Details Emerge

• Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, met with the governor of Abia state, Alex Otti, on Friday, May 3
• TheTalk.NG reports that the meeting took place at the countryhome of the governor in Umuehim Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South LGA
• A media report revealed what Kalu humbly demanded from the incumbent Abia state No.1 citizen

TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics and elections in Nigeria.

Umuahia, Abia state – Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, has asked Alex Otti, the governor of Abia state, to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

TheTalk.NG reports that Otti left the APC before the 2023 general elections when he could not secure the party’s ticket for the governorship poll.

Benjami Kalu urges Governor Alex Otti to rejoin APC. Photo credit:@OfficialBenKaluSource: Twitter

The 59-year-old teamed up with the Labour Party (LP) and won the 2023 Abia state gubernatorial election.

During a Friday, May 3 visit to Otti’s country home in Umuehim, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South local government area (LGA), Kalu told the Abia governor that there was still room for him in the ruling party.

The Nation newspaper quoted Kalu as saying:

“You are not in my party again though I am regretting it. But I want you to know that the people who are also my people are also from different political parties. They are people who love what we are doing.

“The majority of us here are members of your former party. And we miss you. You only miss a good man, not a bad person.

“So, Labour Party members should be careful. If you don’t make this man happy, he is going back to his parents’ party.”

Kalu, Otti speak on progress of Abia

In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kalu said discussions centred on the importance of “synergy between my office and the state government in propelling the progress of our beloved state”.

He commended Governor Otti for “his selfless and dedicated approach to governance”, adding that Abia state is gradually regaining its dignity and standing tall with pride.

Kalu wrote:

“With businesses regaining confidence and expanding their operations in Abia State, the influx of investors signifies a commitment to increasing employment opportunities for our people and the economy of the state.

“I am happy to sustain the partnership that we share, and I hope that our state will continue to benefit from this synergy.”

More to read on Abia state

Ex-Abia governor, Ikpeazu not leaving PDP

TheTalk.NG earlier reported that ahead of the 2027 general elections, the immediate past governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, that he has no plan to leave the party.

Ikpeazu said he would stay in the PDP to rebuild it.

Source: TheTalk.NG

2027 Presidency: Atiku Explains Why He May Support Peter Obi

PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has explained what transpired when he hosted his counterpart in the Labour Party, Peter Obi The former vice president hinted that he may have to support Peter Obi and the merger between the Labour Party and the PDP work out Atiku said he would support Peter … Continue reading here ▶

Zamfara APC Suspends House of Reps Member, Gives Reason

A member of the house of representatives, Hon Aminu Sani Jaji, has been suspended indefinitely from the ruling APC The Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, confirmed the suspension of Jaji over anti-party activities Idris said Jaji’s actions, who represents Birnin Magaji /KauraNamoda in the house of representatives resulted in the failure of the party … Continue reading here ▶

Rivers Crisis: Wike Finally Opens Up on Being Distracted from FCT

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the FCT, has said he was not being distracted from running activities in Abuja over the political crisis in Rivers state The minister said if he was being distracted, he would not be making projects available for President Bola Tinubu to commission for his one year in office Wike’s comment … Continue reading here ▶

Presidency Allegedly Declares Ganduje’s Seat Vacant, Search for New APC Chair

The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress has been seemingly faced with a strong issue According to reports making the rounds in the polity on Friday, Ganduje’s seat has reportedly been declared vacant and backed by the presidency It was also disclosed that some serving senators wanted Ganduje out following the outcome of … Continue reading here ▶

“He Snubbed Atiku”: Reno Omokri Blasts Peter Obi Over “Silence On Meetings” With PDP Bigwigs

PDP chieftain Reno Omokri has reacted to Labor Party flagbearer, Peter Obi’s meeting with a young student Omokri lambasted Obi for posting himself and the 11-year-old student on his social media page and did not do so when he met Atiku Abubakar and other PDP bigwigs The PDP chieftain, however questioned Obi’s return to the … Continue reading here ▶