The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has responded strongly to recent remarks by a faction of the Labour Party in Umuehim Nvosi, accusing the group of resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing pressing issues raised by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC described the faction’s comments as “misplaced and unproductive,” noting that the group failed to engage with the substantive concerns highlighted by the former Abia State governor.
According to the party, while it would ordinarily ignore what it termed “faceless and fragmented groups,” it was compelled to respond due to what it described as a deliberate attempt to divert public attention from critical governance issues.
The APC maintained that the faction, whose legitimacy it questioned, chose to engage in name-calling and personal attacks rather than respond to key concerns raised by Senator Kalu during a recent event in Igbere.
Among the issues highlighted by the senator were the rising cost of education in Abia State, poor welfare conditions for lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions, and the continued neglect of teachers at the primary and secondary school levels.
“These are not speculative claims but well-known realities facing the people of Abia State,” the statement noted, criticizing the Labour Party faction for failing to provide any factual rebuttal.
The party also echoed Kalu’s concerns over what it described as a lack of new infrastructure development by the current administration led by Governor Alex Otti. It alleged that projects being showcased were largely rehabilitations of initiatives started by previous administrations, including those executed during Kalu’s tenure between 1999 and 2007.
Furthermore, the APC expressed concern over what it called the emergence of political violence and “political banditry” in the state, warning that such developments were previously uncommon in Abia’s political environment.
“These are serious issues that require thoughtful engagement, not emotional outbursts or attempts at intimidation,” the statement added.
The party insisted that Senator Kalu’s call on Governor Otti to prioritize the welfare of citizens and ensure prudent management of public resources was a “patriotic and statesmanlike intervention” deserving of commendation rather than criticism.
It urged the Labour Party faction to abandon personal attacks and instead focus on addressing the concerns raised, emphasizing the need for responsible political discourse in the state.
Looking ahead, the APC expressed confidence in its electoral prospects, stating that it aims to secure all senatorial seats, House of Representatives positions, and a majority in the State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections, including reclaiming the Abia State Government House in Umuahia.
The party concluded by stressing that the people of Abia deserve leadership grounded in accountability, transparency, and performance, rather than what it described as distractions and political theatrics.
