Concerned stakeholders from the Ukwa la Ngwa nation have reacted to a recent online publication urging the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to run for the governorship of Abia State in 2027, describing the report as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.
Issuing a disclaimer at his Asokoro residence in Abuja on Monday, April 28, 2025, former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and prominent APC stalwart, Dr. Kassarachi Enyinna, disowned the publication, clarifying that no such mandate or endorsement was given by the Ukwa la Ngwa leadership.
Dr. Enyinna, an investment banker, philanthropist, and politician, reaffirmed his commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, citing the President’s efforts in steering Nigeria towards economic growth.
He warned Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and the public to be wary of political opportunists and self-serving individuals who employ divisive tactics for personal gain.
Throwing his support behind the incumbent governor, Dr. Alex Otti, Dr. Enyinna said, “Dr. Alex Otti has delivered remarkably in his two years in office and deserves a second term in 2027.” He cautioned political actors against manipulating the Deputy Speaker by promoting unrealistic ambitions designed to derail the current developmental trajectory in the state.
In a statement made available to journalists, Dr. Enyinna emphasized that at no time had the leadership or elders of Ukwa la Ngwa mandated any group, individual, or failed politicians to speak on behalf of the people concerning the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
He advised Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to remain focused on his legislative responsibilities and service to his constituents, warning against being misled by “fair-weather politicians” seeking relevance after contributing to the stagnation of Abia State under the previous administration.
Highlighting the need for adherence to the principles of the “Abia Charter of Equity,” Dr. Enyinna insisted that the Abia North Senatorial District should support Abia Central in completing their rightful eight-year tenure and back Dr. Alex Otti’s re-election bid in 2027.
“The remarkable development under Dr. Alex Otti’s administration is evident,” Dr. Enyinna stated. “We must consolidate these gains rather than regress into the failed leadership patterns of the past.”