Chief Emeka Charles Kalu, a seasoned politician and power engineer, is the Director-General, Global Initiatives for Good Governance (GIGG), and former Senatorial aspirant under the Labour Party (LP). Currently, he is the Director, Abia State Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council in charge of Abia North. In this interview with EJIKEME OMENAZU, he speaks on the recent inauguration of Dr Alex Otti’s governorship re-election campaign, among other critical issues. Excerpt:
The Abia State Labour Party’s Governorship Campaign Council last Sunday launched Governor Alex Otti’s re-election campaign. How was the event?
The event was remarkable, well attended and highly encouraging. It demonstrated the enthusiasm surrounding the political direction of Abia State under His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. As a member of the Governorship Campaign Council, I was particularly impressed by the level of organisation, the participation of party stakeholders and the determination of our supporters. For me, the campaign launch was more than a political gathering. It was an opportunity to reflect on the progress recorded under Governor Otti’s administration and to renew our commitment to the continued development of Abia State. However, we are not taking the enthusiasm for granted. Our responsibility is to translate that support into sustained grassroots engagement, voter education and participation in the 2027 elections.
As a member of the Campaign Council present at the event, what were some of the unique observations you made?
One important observation was the enthusiasm of the people and the sense of collective responsibility among party leaders, candidates, coordinators and supporters. I was particularly encouraged by the participation of young people, women and grassroots political stakeholders. Another important observation was the emphasis on unity and coordinated political activities. The campaign is not supposed to be about individual political ambitions, but about a collective commitment to the development of Abia State. I also observed that the expectations of our people remain high. Abians want improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, reliable public services and accountable governance. Those expectations must remain central to our campaign message.
How would you rate the support of Abia people for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti?
From my interactions with communities and stakeholders across Abia North, I would describe the support as strong and encouraging. Many people I have spoken with appreciate the administration’s attention to road infrastructure, public-sector reforms, healthcare, education and the general direction of governance. Nevertheless, elections are decided by voters, not political declarations. We must continue listening to the people, addressing legitimate concerns and explaining what the administration has achieved and what remains to be done. I believe Governor Otti has established a strong foundation for his re-election campaign, but we must continue working hard to earn the confidence of the electorate.
What makes you believe that candidates of other political parties do not stand a chance against Governor Alex Otti?
I would not dismiss any candidate or political party. Democracy thrives on competition, and every qualified candidate deserves the opportunity to present a programme to the electorate. However, Governor Otti enters the contest with the advantage of an existing record in office. His administration can be assessed on its policies, projects, financial management, institutional reforms and development priorities. Opposition candidates will equally be expected to explain their alternatives and demonstrate how they intend to improve the lives of Abians. My confidence in Governor Otti is based on the direction of his administration and the feedback I receive from people at the grassroots. Ultimately, the people of Abia State will decide who deserves their mandate in 2027.
What are the central messages of Alex Otti to Abia people to convince them to give him a second chance?
The central message is continuity, consolidation, accountability and sustainable development. Governor Otti’s administration has placed emphasis on infrastructure renewal, responsible management of public resources, education, healthcare, economic development and the restoration of public confidence in governance. The argument for a second term is that meaningful development requires consistent implementation, proper planning and continuity of effective policies. However, continuity must not become an excuse for complacency. The administration must continue demonstrating measurable progress and responding to the concerns of citizens. Abia people deserve a government that remains accessible, transparent and committed to improving their living conditions.
You are the Director of the Labour Party’s Campaign Council in Abia North. What efforts are you making to ensure that you deliver Abia North fully to the Governor?
As the Abia North Zonal Coordinator of the Governorship Campaign Council, my responsibility is to coordinate campaign activities across the five local government areas of Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi. We are working with constituency coordinators, local government party executives, ward leaders, candidates, women leaders, youth representatives and other stakeholders to strengthen communication and organisational effectiveness. Our priorities include structured stakeholder consultations, town halls, polling-unit organisation, voter education and peaceful grassroots engagement. We are also emphasising discipline, accountability and timely implementation of directives from the State Campaign Council. I have made it clear to our coordinators that political appointments come with responsibilities. We must demonstrate commitment, teamwork and readiness to serve. Our objective is to present the administration’s record fairly, listen to the concerns of our communities and encourage eligible voters to participate peacefully in the democratic process. I remain optimistic about our prospects in Abia North, but success must be earned through dedication, organisation and public trust.
Would you confirm whether the Labour Party is a member of the Rainbow Coalition, either at the national or state level, including Rivers State?
As far as my official responsibilities within the Abia State Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council are concerned, I have not been authorized to announce any formal agreement placing our party within a Rainbow Coalition. Political cooperation, dialogue and consultation among parties are not unusual in a democracy. However, informal discussions should not be confused with a formally approved coalition. Any official coalition involving the Labour Party must be communicated through the appropriate organs and authorized leadership of the party. Regarding Rivers State or any other state, I would advise that clarification be sought from the recognized national leadership. My immediate responsibility remains the effective coordination of our governorship campaign activities in Abia North.
Could you confirm whether Governor Otti is among the South East Governors who endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term? If so, what will be the fate of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, since Abia is the only state presently controlled by the Labour Party?
I would be careful not to attribute a political endorsement to His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, without an official statement establishing that position. The South East Governors may cooperate with the Federal Government on infrastructure, security, economic development and other regional priorities. Such cooperation should not automatically be interpreted as a presidential endorsement. Governor Otti is entitled to maintain constructive relationships with the Federal Government while carrying out his constitutional responsibilities. Regarding the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2027, that is a matter for the party’s recognised national leadership and the appropriate nomination processes. Abia State’s position as the only state currently governed by the Labour Party makes it politically significant, but that does not mean its governor should unilaterally determine the party’s presidential direction. My position is that political decisions must respect party structures, democratic procedures and the collective interests of members.
As a power engineer, how do you see the state of electricity in the country presently? President Tinubu stated during his first-term campaign that Nigerians should not consider him for a second term if he failed to provide regular electricity. Given the frequent national grid collapses, do you think he deserves a second term?
As an electrical engineer, I find the condition of Nigeria’s electricity sector deeplytroubling. Electricityisthebackbone of industrialisation, economic productivity, healthcare delivery, education and national development. Nigeria cannot realistically become a major industrial economy when businesses and households continue depending heavily on expensive alternative power sources. The persistent challenges of inadequate generation, weak transmission infrastructure, distribution inefficiencies, poor maintenance and insufficient investment require urgent attention. President Tinubu made public commitments regarding electricity supply, and Nigerians have every right to evaluate his administration against those commitments. For me, the issue goes beyond political promises. We need measurable improvements in generation capacity, transmission reliability, distribution performance and affordability. The Federal Government must prioritise grid modernisation, transparent sector financing, decentralised power generation and stronger regulatory accountability. Whether President Tinubu deserves another term is ultimately for Nigerian voters to determine. However, electricity performance must form an important part of that assessment. A government seeking renewed public confidence must demonstrate tangible results, not merely offer explanations for persistent failures.
Going by the suffering in the land, don’t you think Nigerians should consider either Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi as their next president?
Nigerians have every democratic right to consider credible alternatives to the present administration. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi are prominent political figures who have contributed to national political discussions and presented different approaches to governance. I have had the opportunity to work within Nigeria’s political environment and understand the importance of experience, competence, integrity and the ability to build national consensus. However, I do not believe Nigerians should choose their next president solely on the basis of political popularity or dissatisfaction with the incumbent. The country needs a leader with a credible economic recovery programme, a practical security strategy, a realistic electricity-sector reform agenda and the capacity to unite our diverse population. Nigerians are experiencing serious economic pressures, and those concerns deserve meaningful policy responses. Every presidential aspirant, whether Atiku, Peter Obi, President Tinubu or another candidate, should be subjected to the same rigorous public scrutiny. The 2027 election should be a contest of ideas, competence, character and measurable commitments. Nigeria is bigger than any individual politician or political party.
In the light of threats being issued in several states against the opposition, how do you see last week’s violent attack against Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State by sponsored thugs?
Any violent attack on a political activist, journalist, opposition figure or ordinary citizen exercising lawful democratic rights is unacceptable. Regarding the reported incident involving Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State, I would urge the appropriate security agencies to conduct a thorough, independent investigation and establish exactly what happened. If the allegations of politically motivated violence are substantiated, those responsible must face the full consequences of the law, regardless of their political affiliations. Political disagreement must never become a justification for intimidation, harassment or physical violence. Nigeria’s democracy can only grow stronger when citizens are free to express their opinions, criticise government policies and participate in lawful political activities without fear. I also want to emphasise that political leaders have a responsibility to caution their supporters against inflammatory language and violent conduct. The security agencies must remain professional, impartial and committed to protecting every Nigerian. Democracy is not about silencing those who disagree with us. It is about allowing competing ideas to be presented peacefully while the people retain the ultimate authority to decide.My message is simple: Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, and no political ambition is worth the destruction of our democratic institutions or the loss of innocent lives.
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