Azubuike’s strong reaction comes after Kalu made a controversial comment implying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State would “sweep monies from Signature Bank,” a remark that has triggered widespread political condemnation across the state.
In a passionate and direct response during an exclusive interview, Hon. Azubuike challenged Kalu, popularly called “Big Ben,” to end what he called “political grandstanding” and publicly declare his intention to run for governor if he is serious about contesting or step aside.
“Why the delay? What exactly is holding him back? Abians are waiting,” Azubuike said, dismissing Kalu’s comments as distractions lacking substance.
He maintained that although democracy permits anyone to seek political office, the people of Abia have already made their preference clear in Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as the overwhelming mandate of the people.
“Over 95 percent of Abians can’t wait to re-elect Governor Alex Otti. That’s the reality. All this noise about coming to Obingwa to pick a running mate is baseless and irrelevant,” he declared.
Azubuike also firmly rejected what he saw as subtle political intimidation directed at Obingwa, cautioning that such strategies would not succeed in the current political environment.
“The Obingwa of yesterday is not the Obingwa of today. Nobody can come here to threaten us with promises of positions. Those days are gone,” he said.
While acknowledging the area’s rich political history, he pointed out that Obingwa has produced several high-profile public office holders, including three deputy governors, a governor, and a senator over twenty years, stressing that the people are now more politically aware and cannot be easily manipulated.
Taking a direct jab at Kalu’s grasp of governance issues, Azubuike wondered whether such statements represent the type of leadership Abians should anticipate.
“Is this how he intends to run a state? With baseless claims and empty talk?” he asked pointedly.
He also brushed aside any attempts to compare Governor Otti’s administration with that of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, insisting that Ikpeazu is no longer part of the present conversation.
“Okezie Ikpeazu has moved on and should be left alone. He is not the issue. Governor Otti has set a benchmark that is difficult to match. Arguably the best in Nigeria today,” Azubuike asserted.
Drawing examples from outside Abia, he cited the tenure of David Umahi, explaining how purposeful leadership can turn even scarce resources into visible development, an indirect criticism of previous governance shortcomings in Abia.
In one of his sharpest attacks, Azubuike mocked Kalu’s “Signature Bank” remark, questioning both its logic and purpose.
“He said he would sweep money from Signature Bank with a broom? To where? Into a Ghana-Must-Go bag? Is there even money there?” he mocked, describing the comment as “politics of deceit and calumny.”
He further reminded his audience that Governor Otti’s qualifications go well beyond politics, highlighting his impressive achievements in banking and business before entering public office.
“Before politics, Alex Otti built institutions. Let them go and study his trajectory not just in banking, but across sectors. That’s what competence looks like,” he said.
Azubuike ended with a strong warning that the political terrain in Abia has changed significantly, emphasizing that the time of manipulation, propaganda, and unquestioned loyalty has passed.
“The people are now awake. 2027 will not be business as usual. It will be Abians versus any perceived opposition, if there is any,” he declared.
He stressed that the backing for Governor Otti stems not from blind loyalty but from tangible performance and achievements, calling his leadership “a prayer answered” and a valuable opportunity that Abians are committed to safeguarding.
“The mandate of Alex Otti is not negotiable. It is one Abians will guard jealously,” he concluded.
