The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, has cautioned Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, that the era of politicians claiming loyalty to President Bola Tinubu while remaining in opposition parties is over.

The Deputy Speaker also warned the Governor that contesting the 2027 governorship election outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) could cost him victory.

Kalu issued the warning at his country home in Bende, Abia State, during the annual distribution of rice and a ₦1 billion business support scheme for churches, traders and pro-groups across the state.

Speaking, he said, “It is either you are in APC or nowhere,” Kalu said. “Mr President belongs to the APC and does not support anti-party activities. You cannot promise votes and still remain in another party. That time has passed.”

On the economy, Kalu said Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved significantly under President Tinubu’s administration since 2023. He noted that key sectors such as power, agriculture and health have witnessed renewed attention and reforms.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has repaid the $3.4 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan, cleared over ₦30 trillion in ways and means advances, and settled a $4.5 billion foreign exchange backlog.

Kalu added that inflation had dropped from 34 per cent to 16.05 per cent, while economic growth stood at 3.9 per cent. He also said Nigeria’s external reserves rose from about $33 billion in 2023 to over $45 billion in 2025.

On governance, the Deputy Speaker said the National Assembly has worked closely with the executive to support reforms, rather than obstruct progress. He argued that the removal of fuel subsidy has made states financially stronger, enabling them to embark on more development projects.

Addressing concerns over the distribution of rice palliatives and the ₦1 billion business funding, including a ₦100 million donation to the APC, Kalu said the gesture was not driven by personal ambition.

“These interventions are meant to support the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President, not to promote my political interest,” he stated.

He praised the Federal Government’s policies on tax reform, electricity, education, security and the proposed state police system, describing them as steps aimed at strengthening the economy.

Kalu further revealed that over 5.3 million households had benefited from the Federal Government’s Social Protection Programme, valued at ₦190 billion, noting that the policies have helped stabilise food prices and improve food security.

In his remarks, the Abia APC Chairman, Chief Kingsley Ononugbu, described Kalu as a committed representative of the Bende people. 

He said the distribution of 16 trailer-loads of rice and financial support to traders showed Kalu’s dedication to both the people and the APC’s 2027 victory plans.

Also speaking, former Minister of Labour and Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Dr Emeka Wogu, described Kalu as a generous leader who enjoys widespread support. He urged the people of Abia, especially those in Bende, to appreciate and reciprocate his goodwill.

Several APC leaders in the state, including Chief Chris Nkwonta, Hon Uzo Azubuike, Chief Emeka Stanley, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, Dr Cosmos Ndukwe and Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe, also commended the Deputy Speaker for what they described as his selfless service to the South-East and the nation.