…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has refuted claims that he has abandoned his ambition to become Senate President in favor of Godswill Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Reports had circulated stating that Kalu and Osita Izunaso had withdrawn their aspirations after a meeting with South-East senators-elect and Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Aide Affirms Kalu’s Position as Deputy Senate President
Speaking to The PUNCH, Emeka Nwala, an aide to Senator Kalu, clarified that his principal has not stepped down for Akpabio.
Instead, Kalu has been appointed as the Deputy Senate President to run alongside Abdulaziz Yari.
Nwala emphasized that Kalu, Yari, and the majority of lawmakers supporting them have not withdrawn their candidacy.
Pressure Mounts on Kalu, but No Official Step Down
While acknowledging the mounting pressure on Kalu to reconsider his position, Nwala stated that no official decision to step down has been made.
He dismissed the claims of withdrawal as false and highlighted that the support Kalu has among lawmakers makes it unlikely for him to withdraw his candidacy.
Senator Musa Withdraws Support, Maintains Neutrality
Additionally, a source close to Senator Sani Musa confirmed that he had withdrawn his support from the Yari group.
However, the source clarified that Senator Musa has not pledged his support to the Akpabio team either.
As a party member, Senator Musa has chosen to remain neutral and withhold his vote.
Party Loyalty and Neutrality Maintained
Both Kalu and Senator Musa’s actions reflect their commitment to their respective party affiliations.
While Kalu continues to pursue the Deputy Senate President position, Senator Musa has withdrawn support for Yari’s ticket without explicitly endorsing Akpabio.
Maintaining neutrality allows him to abstain from favoring any particular candidate while remaining true to his party allegiance.