The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Kalu, has stated that his support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu should not be seen as a ‘political war’.
He made the declaration in a statement on Monday while reacting to Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s criticism of his support for the President.
Kalu argued that he has committed no crime for supporting Tinubu and is simply exercising his fundamental rights as a party member and an elected representative.
The lawmaker expressed “profound dismay” at Governor Otti’s remarks, describing them as politically motivated and unbecoming of a sitting governor.
“The expression of my commitment to bolstering APC’s presence in Abia State is not a crime. It is my duty to my party and to the people I represent,” Kalu stated.
He accused Governor Otti of resorting to personal insults and inflammatory language, instead of engaging in constructive political dialogue, and added that such conduct reflected insecurity rather than leadership.
Kalu described the governor’s response as hypocritical, noting that Otti himself rose to power on a party platform and should, therefore, understand the competitive nature of politics in a democracy.
The former Abia State governor stated that he had previously extended goodwill towards Otti, describing him as a friend and suggesting that leaders with progressive ideas could find common ground within the APC.
Kalu also questioned Otti’s frequent use of religious rhetoric in political discourse, arguing that democracy thrives on opposition, accountability, and the free expression of political choices.
He further urged the Abia State governor to focus more on governance, particularly in areas such as healthcare, youth unemployment, and security, rather than engaging in political confrontations.
“Abians deserve better than a governor who prioritises personal vendettas over progress,” he said.