A member of the Reality Organization and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from Ikwun Ihechiowa Ward in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State, Elder Kalu Kalu, has alleged that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is sponsoring political opponents against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ahead of the 2027 Abia North Senatorial election.
Speaking on behalf of the pro-political group, the APC chieftain, Elder Kalu described the move as shocking and the height of betrayal, claiming that the Deputy Speaker was backing the senatorial ambition of former Abia State Finance Commissioner, Dr. Philip Nto, to challenge Senator Orji Kalu in the forthcoming election.
According to him, Senator Orji Kalu had played a major role in the political rise of Benjamin Kalu, particularly during the 2019 elections, even when it conflicted with the interests of some political stakeholders from Igbere community.
“We are shocked that Benjamin Okezie Kalu would go this far against his political mentor and benefactor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. This is someone who stood firmly behind him and supported his political journey when many people doubted him,” Elder Kalu stated.
He further alleged that Dr. Philip Nto personally disclosed during a political meeting that the Deputy Speaker financed his senatorial nomination form to contest against Senator Kalu.
“Nto openly told us during a meeting that the Deputy Speaker paid for his form to challenge his former boss, Senator Kalu. It is disheartening and heartbreaking knowing how Senator Kalu supported Ben, even against the interest of his Igbere community in 2019,” he alleged.
“It is sad that he has chosen to repay Senator Kalu in this manner. Politics should not be about betrayal or fighting the people who helped you rise,” he added.
Elder Kalu, who noted that he is from the same Arochukwu Local Government Area as Dr. Nto, however distanced himself and members of his group from the former commissioner’s political ambition, insisting that the people of Arochukwu remained loyal to Senator Orji Kalu.
“As for me and my people, Nto is on his own. We will continue to support Senator Orji Uzor Kalu because of his contributions and leadership in Abia North. He should be careful and not allow some people to use him for their selfish political interests,” he said.
The Reality Organization member reaffirmed what he described as the total support of members of the group and many stakeholders in Arochukwu LGA for Senator Kalu’s re-election bid in 2027.
