Don’t drag Otti into APC internal crisis, Abia LP warns

The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, urging them to cease dragging Governor Alex Otti into their internal political squabbles. The Labour Party, through its Publicity Secretary Emenike Iroegbu, described the APC's repeated attempts to link the governor to issues concerning the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as unacceptable.

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Ordinarily, the Labour Party would not have dignified such a needless and panic-driven publication with a response, but it has become necessary to advise the Abia APC to desist from the habitual attempt to use the good name of Governor Alex Otti to drive their endless political narratives and internal anxieties.

The APC Publicity Secretary had accused Governor Otti of sponsoring a false publication suggesting Kalu had abandoned his governorship ambition and endorsed Otti for a second term. The Labour Party, however, dismissed these claims, stating that the Abia State Government is unconcerned with Kalu's political aspirations. They emphasized that Governor Otti is dedicated to the crucial tasks of governance, including rebuilding infrastructure, repositioning the economy, restoring public confidence, and enhancing the lives of Abians.

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Governor Alex Otti is far too focused on governance, rebuilding critical infrastructure, repositioning the economy, restoring confidence in public institutions, and improving the lives of Abians to spend valuable time discussing individuals who are yet to clearly define their own political direction.

The Labour Party expressed surprise at the APC's persistent efforts to involve the governor in their political discourse, suggesting their relevance is perceived to depend on mentioning his name. They asserted that Governor Otti's performance has set a new standard for governance in Abia, causing anxiety among the opposition. The party advised the APC to focus on internal rebuilding, policy articulation, and addressing their members' concerns rather than resorting to propaganda and political insecurities.

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It is therefore surprising that the APC in Abia State continues to drag the governor into every conversation as though their political relevance depends solely on mentioning his name. The truth remains that Governor Alex Otti’s performance has naturally become the standard for governance in Abia State, and this reality appears to be giving the opposition sleepless nights.

This situation highlights a common tactic in Nigerian politics where opposition parties attempt to leverage the popularity or actions of incumbent governors to gain attention or deflect from their own internal issues. The Labour Party's response underscores a desire to keep the focus on tangible governance achievements rather than getting entangled in opposition party dynamics. Abians, the party insists, are discerning enough to differentiate between genuine performance and political maneuvering.

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We therefore advise the APC in Abia State to focus on rebuilding their party, articulating alternative policies, and addressing the concerns of their members instead of constantly dragging the governor into their political insecurities.