Former Abia State governors, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Theodore Orji, have spearheaded a strategic gathering of past political office holders in Umuahia aimed at challenging the re-election ambitions of Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 general elections. The meeting, which brought together leaders who governed between 2009 and 2023, was convened to forge a broad political front that they say will reclaim the state’s leadership and counter Otti’s influence, with plans to expand the alliance across party lines. 

The political contest is already intensifying. Senator Kalu has publicly withdrawn his previous support for Otti and pledged full loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowing to mobilise the party for electoral success in Abia State and beyond in 2027. In response, Governor Otti has pledged to back Labour Party candidates to thwart Kalu’s influence and resist any APC takeover, setting the stage for a high-stakes face-off as key stakeholders position themselves for the upcoming election.