Chief Umeh Kalu Clarifies Position On Alex Otti’s 2027 Re-election, Says Abia Electorate Will Decide
Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, has clarified a recent online report suggesting he endorsed Governor Alex Otti for re-election in 2027, stating unequivocally that the governor’s political future lies solely in the hands of God and the Abia electorate.
Kalu made the clarification in a statement issued from his Abuja law office, and made available to The Whisperer, following the circulation of an online report containing his photograph alongside that of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Azubuko Udah, and Hon. Alex Ikwechegh.
According to him, the photograph in question was taken on 4 August 2025 during a courtesy visit by promoters of a planned Pan-Old Bende civic reception in honour of Governor Otti.
“The essence of this statement is to bring to the fore the correct version of what transpired between me and the civic reception promoters, as I consider the complained news reportage of the event twisted,” he said.
Kalu reaffirmed his support for Dr Otti during the 2023 electioneering campaign and his appreciation of the government’s continued investment in critical infrastructure across Abia State. However, he was quick to point out that such appreciation should not be misconstrued as an endorsement for a 2027 re-election bid.
“My appreciation of the ongoing and sustained government attention to critical Abia State basic infrastructure, as opposed to the decrepit state of these infrastructure hitherto, cannot in any facet be translated to an endorsement of Governor Otti for his 2027 election bid,” he stated.
Kalu further declared that he would not, in his personal capacity or on behalf of the Old Bende Union, attempt to shut the door against any aspirant from the zone vying for the governorship seat in 2027.
“To do so,” he argued, “would not only portray me as sycophantic, which I will never be, but also undemocratic and self-serving.”
He also clarified that Governor Otti has neither sought his endorsement nor declared his intention to run again.
Despite this, Kalu expressed his full support for the upcoming Pan-Old Bende civic reception being planned in honour of the Governor, adding that he would continue to pray for the success of Dr Otti and all elected officeholders in Abia State.
“Governor Otti’s political future and indeed his re-election as Governor in 2027 lie firmly in the hands of God and the Abia electorate,” he concluded.
