Hon. Peter Azubuike, stakeholder chairman of Labour Party/Abia Arise and a leading figure in the state's Labour Party, slammed Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for "reckless and empty political rhetoric." Azubuike, known as "The Rock," said Kalu must either declare his intention to run for governor or step aside, questioning the delay and accusing him of political grandstanding. He dismissed Kalu's comment that the All Progressives Congress would "sweep monies from Signature Bank" as baseless, adding that the people of Abia have already shown overwhelming support for Governor Alex Otti, whom he said "over 95 percent of Abians can't wait to re‑elect."
Azubuike warned that Obingwa's political climate has changed, rejecting any intimidation that promises of positions could sway voters. He noted the area's history of producing high‑profile officials but stressed that today's electorate is more politically aware. Referring to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, he said the former governor "has moved on and should be left alone," while praising Otti's record as "arguably the best in Nigeria today." He mocked Kalu's "Signature Bank" remark, asking "to where? Into a Ghana‑Must‑Go bag?" and urged citizens to study Otti's achievements in banking and business as a model of competence.
Azubuike's demand that Kalu either announce a gubernatorial bid or withdraw highlights the deputy speaker's vague ambitions. For ordinary Abians, this confrontation signals that political promises lacking substance may be met with direct challenge, reducing the likelihood of empty rhetoric influencing voter decisions. It also reinforces the perception that Governor Otti's popularity remains a decisive factor in the state's upcoming elections.
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