House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has called on Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress, assuring him of full support if he defects.

Mr Kalu made the call on Monday during an annual Christmas Food Distribution/Town Hall Meeting he organised in his country home in Agbamuzu, Bende LGA.

He said, “Let me tell you, I want to use this opportunity again, publicly, to invite Governor Alex Otti to join our party. If he comes to our party, we will support him.”

He stressed that the APC remained open to leaders willing to work collectively to strengthen the party and advance its political objectives in Abia.

Mr Kalu said that it was always an honour to return home, noting that the legislature and the President Bola Tinubu-led administration were working for Nigerians.

He said that he remained accountable to his constituents and was driven by the belief that Nigeria’s best days were ahead.

Mr Kalu urged Nigerians to support the president, the APC, and its Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the Tinubu-led administration was building a lasting legacy for future generations.

He said that the rice distribution initiative began in 2003 as a humanitarian effort, long before he held public office or contemplated any political ambition. He noted that, despite 23 years of consistent service, the programme was now being politicised, adding that he had not declared any intention to contest the governorship.

Mr Kalu dismissed social media attacks, recalling that similar predictions were made before his House of Representatives election, which he won decisively. He said that consultations were ongoing within the party and that he was awaiting direction from the APC leadership.

The deputy speaker encouraged party members interested in contesting elections in 2027 to be bold, assuring them of the president’s support for APC candidates. He also called for sustained grassroots mobilisation in the state to further advance the party’s objectives.

On empowerment, Mr Kalu announced a N1 billion intervention to support 2,000 small and medium-scale businesses across all the state’s local government areas.

He said that each beneficiary would receive about N500,000 initially, with agencies such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and SMEDAN expected to partner to expand the programme.

He said that forms were available at the Renewed Hope Office on Ojike Street, Umuahia, and must be submitted within 30 days.

Mr Kalu described Abia as an enterprising state and said the initiative would stimulate economic growth and empower the people.

The lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West federal constituency, Chris Nkwonta, said it was a privilege to have a leader like Mr Kalu.

He noted that in less than three years, Mr Kalu had delivered 58 projects as the deputy speaker, describing the achievement as commendable.

According to him, his constituency once produced a number three citizen of the country with little to show for it, stressing that Mr Kalu’s performance stood in sharp contrast.

(NAN)