A fresh political clash has erupted in Abia State as the office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by the Labour Party Nigeria in the state, accusing the party and Governor Alex Otti of spreading false claims and engaging in propaganda.
In a press statement released on March 17, 2026, and signed by George Maduka, Kalu’s office described the Labour Party’s earlier statement as “watery” and politically motivated, alleging that it bore the influence of the state government’s communication team.
The statement dismissed claims that Kalu’s recent remarks constituted a threat to democratic processes, insisting that the former governor remains “a core democrat” who has never been involved in election manipulation. Instead, the statement alleged that Kalu himself had previously been a victim of electoral irregularities.
Political Tensions Escalate
The response also took direct aim at Governor Otti, accusing him of political opportunism and claiming that the Labour Party in Abia is deeply factionalised. According to the statement, the governor is under pressure amid internal divisions and unfulfilled political promises.
Kalu’s camp further argued that his comments about defending the mandate of the people were within constitutional rights and should not be misinterpreted as incitement. It accused the current administration of emboldening non-state actors and worsening social challenges across the state.
Governance and Development Claims
A major part of the rebuttal focused on governance and infrastructure, with Kalu’s office asserting that many of the ongoing projects in Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state are continuations of projects initiated during his tenure as governor.
The statement questioned the Otti administration’s performance despite what it described as “unprecedented allocations” to the state. It raised concerns about unpaid salaries and pensions, as well as the cost of ongoing government projects, including the renovation of the Government House.
It further alleged discrepancies in wage implementation, claiming that the N70,000 minimum wage has not been fully enforced across all categories of workers.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
Kalu’s office also made several financial allegations against the current administration, including claims of high spending on travel and media publicity, as well as irregularities in project funding and compensation schemes.
Particularly highlighted was the alleged mismanagement of funds related to infrastructure and compensation projects, including the Nsulu Airport project, where the statement claimed that fictitious beneficiaries were listed.
The senator’s office challenged the state government to submit its financial records to a forensic audit, insisting that transparency would reveal the true state of affairs.
Defence of Personal Wealth
Responding to criticisms about Kalu’s personal assets, the statement maintained that the senator built his wealth legitimately before entering politics. It referenced his business ventures, including Slok Air and Slok Shipping, as evidence of his longstanding private sector success.
Call for Focus on Governance
The statement concluded by urging the Labour Party and the state government to concentrate on governance rather than political attacks. It also advised them to address ongoing legal matters and what it described as governance shortcomings.
As political rhetoric intensifies in Abia State, observers say the exchange signals an early buildup to future electoral contests, with both camps seeking to shape public perception ahead of the next political cycle.
