Former Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Orji Kalu, has strongly refuted rumours that he is set to dump the party for the Peoples Democratic Party as reported by some online media platforms.
Describing what he termed “mischievous falsehood and propaganda” as the handiwork of political jobbers and speculators, Kalu stressed that the APC, of which he is not only a member, but a strong activist remains the only political party to salvage Nigeria from the atrocities of the previous administrations.
The former governor, while emphasizing that he can never rejoin the PDP, called on those spreading fake news to look for other means of survival as against cheap political blackmail and character assassination.
Lambasting the perpetrators and cohorts of the vicious act, Kalu maintained that in view of the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the APC is waxing stronger in the South East and Nigeria in general.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu registered his uttermost displeasure over the wrong reports being disseminated in some quarters, adding that he remains not only a prominent member of the APC but a committed supporter of President Buhari, with no apologies to anyone.
He said: “My attention has been drawn to a news report in some online media portals especially PUO Reports, that I am set to dump the APC for the PDP.
“The malicious report is not only laughable but mischievous.
“This is another attempt by enemies of progress to cause disaffection and confusion in the APC. I remain a solid and committed member of the APC.
“Those behind the falsehood should seek attention from legitimate pursuits.
“I am not bothered and will not lose sleep over the atrocities of political jobbers.
“It is no longer news that I will be vying for a seat in the Senate (Abia North) under the APC in 2019.
“I will rather quit politics than to return to the PDP because the APC is the only political party that will take Nigeria to enviable heights.
“As we approach the 2019 general election, preparations are in top gear to ensure victory for the APC at all levels.”
Kalu, while advising the public to disregard the misinformation of his purported defection, called on online media proprietors to be wary of activities of those using their media platforms for unprofessional and scurrilous motives.
He equally used the opportunity to commend members of the APC in Abia State for their unalloyed support for President Buhari, adding that the party will wrest power from the PDP-led state government in 2019.
The former governor will on August 2 host a mini rally comprising the state executive council, vice-chairmen, women leader, secretary, youth leaders of the three senatorial zones, vice-chairmen, secretary, women leader, youth leader in all the wards across Abia state and other APC stakeholders in his country home, Igbere.