APC Alleges ₦50m Plot to Smear Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Urges Gov. Otti to Focus on Governance
The Abia State chapter of the APC has accused the administration of Governor Alex Otti of allegedly sponsoring a media smear campaign against Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. According to the party, the attacks are politically motivated and driven by fear of Kalu’s increasing popularity and potential governorship ambition in Abia State. The APC also urged the state government to prioritize governance and the welfare of citizens instead of engaging in political propaganda.
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated political campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Uche Aguoru, the party alleged that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is sponsoring a campaign of calumny and media propaganda against the federal lawmaker due to fears over his rising political influence and growing grassroots acceptance across Abia State.
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned what it described as a “desperate and coordinated campaign of calumny” against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC alleged that certain political interests, allegedly backed by elements within the Abia State Government, are orchestrating sustained media attacks aimed at undermining the reputation and political standing of the Deputy Speaker.
The party said while politics naturally accommodates competition and differing strategies among actors, it is “deeply troubling” that public resources meant for the welfare and development of Abia residents could allegedly be deployed to sponsor propaganda against a federal lawmaker.
According to the statement, such actions appear to be driven by fear of Kalu’s rising political stature and his growing acceptance across the state.
The APC further alleged that in recent weeks, the administration of Governor Alex Otti has embarked on what it described as a “wild goose chase”, sponsoring negative media campaigns targeted at the Deputy Speaker.
“These coordinated attacks are clearly aimed at damaging the reputation of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu simply because certain political actors are apprehensive about the overwhelming support he enjoys and the possibility of his victory should he decide to contest the governorship of Abia State,” the statement said.
The party also referenced the controversy surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records, stating that the matter had already been addressed by the relevant authorities.
According to the APC, the National Youth Service Corps issued a formal verification letter on May 23, 2023, confirming that there was no discrepancy or wrongdoing in Kalu’s NYSC records.
The party further alleged that it had credible information about recent meetings held in Abuja involving officials of the Abia State Government and some members of the media, during which ₦50 million was allegedly distributed to journalists to revive previously resolved allegations against the Deputy Speaker.
“These sensational allegations and orchestrated attacks are being championed by a politically stranded actor who currently lacks a viable political platform after destroying the party that once gave him relevance during the Obi wave,” the statement said.
“Now afraid of losing the governorship should Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu declare interest, such elements are desperately attempting to re-enter the APC by first trying to discredit the Deputy Speaker.”
The APC, however, maintained that the party has grown significantly stronger in Abia State, attributing the development to what it described as the strategic leadership and political influence of Benjamin Kalu.
“Today, individuals who once dismissed the possibility of the APC winning elections in Abia are now lobbying from Abuja to join the party,” Aguoru stated.
He added that despite the alleged smear campaign, the Deputy Speaker has remained “calm, focused and undistracted” by what the party described as “the antics of those unsettled by the rising popularity of the APC in Abia State.”
“One thing remains certain: he whom God has lifted, no man can bring down. No amount of propaganda, sponsored columns or hatchet journalism, even if funded with the state’s four-year allocation, can diminish the reputation of Benjamin Kalu or erode the goodwill he enjoys among the people of Abia State,” the statement added.
The APC therefore called on Governor Alex Otti to focus on governance and ensure that public resources are utilized for the welfare and development of Abia residents.
According to the party, many citizens are currently grappling with economic hardship and concerns over welfare policies, which require urgent attention from the state government.
“The Labour Party government in Abia State should begin to put its house in order because the APC is steadily positioning itself to take over governance and restore purposeful leadership to Government House, Umuahia,” the statement concluded.
