Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has revealed that the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are in mutual political alignment, contrary to widespread speculations of emerging coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalu made the disclosure during a recent visit to Governor Otti in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. The comment, which was featured in a video broadcast by Channels Television, was further reported by Hobnob News, sparking political debate nationwide.
“We are not into any coalition. All I know is that Otti is supporting Tinubu, and Tinubu is supporting Otti; that is my deal. I am not into coalition,” Kalu stated.
The former Abia governor’s comments appear to challenge the narrative of a formidable coalition reportedly being formed by opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), to contest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Kalu, a high-ranking member of the APC, firmly dismissed the political strength of the alliance led by Atiku, Obi, and other figures like former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), labeling them as mere “friends and brothers,” but not part of any political arrangement he is engaged in.
“Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Amaechi are my friends and brothers, but I’m not part of their coalition. I remain with the APC, and APC is still the dominant force,” he reiterated.
Kalu’s remarks have stirred political watchers, especially as Governor Otti is a prominent member of the Labour Party and has in the past been aligned with Peter Obi’s progressive ideals. His reported closeness with President Tinubu now raises questions about new cross-party alliances and what they may mean for the 2027 political landscape.
Political analysts say Kalu’s statement could be a strategic move to reposition the APC in the South-East, traditionally a stronghold for the PDP and more recently the Labour Party, especially following Peter Obi’s stellar performance in the 2023 presidential elections.
Neither Governor Otti nor the presidency has issued an official response regarding Kalu’s remarks at the time of filing this report.
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