Orji Kalu slams Alex Otti’s record, says no major projects in Abia

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has taken a fresh swipe at Abia State Governor Alex Otti, accusing him of merely repainting and repairing roads constructed during his own tenure as governor.

Speaking at a press briefing at his country home in Igbere, the former governor and current senator representing Abia North said Governor Otti has little to show for his time in office beyond refurbishing existing infrastructure.

According to Kalu, the amount of money Otti’s administration received within four months is more than what his government had access to throughout his eight years in office, yet he claims there are no major new roads to justify the funds.

“The money Governor Alex Otti received in four months is what I received in eight years; he’s just repainting and rebuilding the roads I built under my administration between 1999 and 2007,” he said.

He added that he has not seen new road projects comparable to the scale of infrastructure his government executed during his time as governor.

Kalu also announced that he has withdrawn his support for Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While noting that he supported the Labour Party governor in 2023, the senator said he will now work for the success of his own party, the All Progressives Congress.

He further dismissed criticisms from Otti’s aides as media attacks, maintaining that his assessment of the governor’s performance is justified given the increased funds flowing into the state.

Kalu’s comments have since sparked debate online and offline, with supporters of Governor Otti pointing to ongoing reconstruction projects, including the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, as evidence of progress.

As political tensions rise, the contrasting narratives are expected to dominate discussions as Abia State moves closer to the 2027 elections.