By Ik Ogbonna
I wonder how the innocuous comment by Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, a Senator and member of the All Progressive Congress, APC, asserting as a true party member that “APC Abia Will Be APC in 2027″ and adding that “I Will Only Vote For My Party APC. I Will Work For President Tinubu To Win In Abia And I Will Work For Any Governorship Candidate In APC To Win In Abia” affected the Abia State Governor and his media Taliban’s to start attacking the distinguished Senator. The Governor’s media hatchet men went further to discuss the results of the 2023 elections.
Since the issue has gone beyond supporting APC candidates let’s go down further to see who has more political mileage and currency than the other.
In the dynamic arena of Nigerian politics, particularly in Abia State, few figures command as much respect and longevity as Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. A seasoned businessman-turned-politician, Kalu has amassed an impressive electoral record marked by consistent victories, remarkable perseverance through adversities, and substantial international influence. In contrast, Governor Alex Otti’s political journey, while culminating in a recent triumph, reflects fewer wins and a more recent entry into the electoral fray.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Unmatched Electoral Record
Kalu’s political career is a testament to enduring success and voter confidence:
1. 1992: Elected to the Federal House of Representatives during Nigeria’s Third Republic, marking his early entry into national politics at a young age.
2. 1999: Elected Governor of Abia State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ushering in democratic governance post-military rule.
3. 2003: Re-elected as Governor for a second term, a rare feat demonstrating strong public support.
4. 2019: Elected Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
5. 2023: Re-elected as Senator, solidifying his position in the upper chamber.
This tally—five electoral victories spanning over three decades—highlights Kalu’s dominance and ability to win across different eras, parties, and challenges.
Governor Alex Otti’s Electoral Journey
Otti’s path to the governorship has been marked by persistence but limited success until recently:
– 2015: Contested the Abia governorship under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Initial court rulings favored him, but the Supreme Court ultimately affirmed PDP’s Okezie Ikpeazu as winner.
– 2019: Ran again under APGA in the March 9 election, placing third behind Ikpeazu (PDP) and other contenders.
– 2023: Switched to the Labour Party (LP) and rode the national “Peter Obi wave” to victory on March 18, defeating PDP’s candidate in a keenly contested poll.
Otti’s single gubernatorial win in 2023 stands in stark contrast to Kalu’s multiple triumphs, underscoring the senator’s superior electoral pedigree.
Perseverance Through Adversity
Kalu’s career exemplifies extraordinary resilience facing challenges and betrayals from friends and foes alike. Despite these trials—often by supporters as politically motivated—Kalu never wavered. This level of perseverance in the face of intense scrutiny sets him apart as a battle-tested leader.
Otti, while resilient in contesting multiple elections, has not endured comparable long-term national-level adversities.
International Clout and Business Empire
Beyond politics, Kalu’s global stature elevates him further. As founder and chairman of SLOK Holding, a West African conglomerate, he built an empire from humble beginnings (starting with palm oil trading) into a multinational entity with operations in shipping, banking, oil trading, manufacturing, media (including Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers), and more. SLOK has footprints in countries like Ghana, Togo, Guinea, South Africa, Liberia, Botswana, Korea, the UK, and the US, including former entities like SLOK Airlines and First International Bank in Gambia.
Kalu’s achievements earned him prestigious recognitions, such as the National Merit Award (youngest recipient at age 26), EU Special Award in Brussels, and World Bank Leon Sullivan Award. His business acumen and international networks give him unparalleled clout.
In comparison, Otti’s pre-governorship career was distinguished in banking (former CEO of Diamond Bank), earning him awards like Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and international banker honors. However, these pale against Kalu’s broader multinational empire and global awards.
Conclusion: A League Apart
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s electoral scorecard—five victories, including gubernatorial re-election and senatorial triumphs—combined with his perseverance amid trials and vast international business influence, places him far above Governor Alex Otti in the annals of Nigerian politics. Otti’s 2023 win, fueled by a national wave, is commendable but represents a newcomer’s breakthrough against Kalu’s decades of dominance. In victories, resilience, and global reach, Kalu remains in a league of his own—a true political titan.
Ik Ogbonna a former President-General of Umuopara Clan Union, Imo Chapter, a journalist and Media Consultant