“I’ll Drop My Governorship Ambition If I’m Wrong” — Kalu Kalu Agu Challenges Otti,

“I’ll Drop My Governorship Ambition If I’m Wrong” — Kalu Kalu Agu Challenges Otti,

2027: ADC Candidate Kalu Kalu Agu Challenges Otti Over Roads, Public Spending

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Abia State, Kalu Kalu Agu, has challenged Governor Alex Otti’s administration to subject its infrastructure achievements and public expenditure to independent verification ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Agu, whose candidacy on the ADC platform has been publicly announced by the party, made the remarks during a televised interview while responding to questions about what gives him confidence to challenge the incumbent governor.

He disputed the Otti administration’s account of its achievements, particularly its claim that it had completed more than 400 road projects across the state. Agu offered to sponsor a team of journalists to Abia State to independently inspect the roads and establish the situation on the ground.

Governor Otti had said in May 2026 that his administration had completed 414 road projects covering about 864 kilometres in three years, with another 82 road projects under construction.

Agu also raised questions about public expenditure, including the controversy surrounding the purchase of Toyota Hilux vehicles. He referred to an entry in the state’s financial records which initially indicated that more than ₦1 billion was spent on two Hilux vehicles.

The Abia State Government has since said the entry was a quantity error. According to Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu, approximately ₦1.003 billion was spent on 12 Toyota Hilux vehicles rather than two, with the government publishing a breakdown of the transaction.

The ADC candidate further questioned the handling and impact of federal allocations to the state and its 17 local government areas. He particularly challenged the government to identify projects executed in Ohafia Local Government Area, saying he was prepared to withdraw from the governorship race if his assertions about the absence of projects were proven wrong.

During the interview, however, one of the presenters pointed to ongoing projects in Ohafia, including the reconstruction of the General Hospital and primary healthcare interventions. Agu maintained his call for an on-the-ground inspection rather than relying on public statements.

With the 2027 governorship contest approaching, the exchange indicates that infrastructure delivery, management of public funds and transparency are likely to feature prominently in the political debate between the opposition and the Otti administration.