Byline: Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Prince Kalu Ireke Onuma, a Labour Party (LP) chieftain in Abia State, has described the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s visit to commission projects by Governor Alex Otti as an outdated political strategy.
Onuma argued that the PDP’s stance reflects the divisive politics of the 1960s, lacking relevance today.
He criticized the PDP for opposing Tinubu’s commissioning of the 6.5-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, rebuilt by Otti’s administration, stating, “I believe the PDP’s argument against President Bola Tinubu commissioning the Port Harcourt Road is a strategy devised by the PDP hierarchy to prevent him from gaining any political leverage in Abia State.” Onuma suggested that the PDP aims to block Tinubu’s influence, anticipating their return to power in Abia and nationally by 2027.
Moreover, Onuma accused the PDP of neglecting Abians during their 24-year rule, claiming their opposition shows disregard for the state’s progress. He said, “It is both misguided and politically naive for the Abia State PDP to believe they have the standing to determine who should commission projects that they themselves failed to build during their 24 years in power in Abia State.”
The reconstructed road, built by Julius Berger, is economically vital for Aba, previously hosting industries like Coca-Cola and Crystal Park Hotel, which closed due to its neglect under PDP governance. Onuma emphasised that its revival will restore jobs and boost opportunities for graduates.
He added, “The 24 years of PDP leadership in Abia State, marked by rampant corruption and mismanagement, have contributed to making the state one of the poorest in the federation. Therefore, the leadership of the Abia State PDP should refrain from distracting the transformational efforts of Dr. Alex Otti.”