𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐀 𝐏𝐃𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

🎯✨ '𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥,' 𝐉𝐎𝐊 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Abia State: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, has said that his major interest in aspiring to lead Abia as a governor is to spread prosperity people can see and feel in the state and completely industrialise the state and improve all facets of life in the state through innovation.

Kalu, speaking after having a successful screening by the PDP governorship screening committee, led by HE Ahmed Maikarfi, described the screening exercise as smooth and successful, stressing that it is basically what he actually expected from a great party like the PDP.

Answering questions from newsmen after the screening, Kalu said that it will be an honour for him to contest the governorship election under a party he trusts so much and has been a member of since 1999 without defecting to another party, no matter the trials and temptations.

Responding to more questions about the current administration in Abia State and achievements listed, Kalu urged Nigerians to beware of propaganda, stressing that those present in Abia already know the reality, as opposed to people outside Abia and in the diaspora who believe the propaganda hook, line and sinker.

"What we have now is a government of 90 per cent propaganda and 10 per cent substance. He tells you that he had done 51 smart schools; of course, you can verify from the state account that 54 billion naira was taken away for 51 smart schools, and they do not exist anywhere in Abia State, but you believe him.

"He tells you that he has a rail station, but there is none. He tells people that he built a flyover, but he built none. Just like you believe that Dr Alex Otti did Ariaria International Market remodelling, which I obviously did from scratch to finish as a commissioner for trade and investment.

"So, you're free to believe whatever you wish because you're not from Abia, nor do you work there. Those from Abia know Abia well, and once I move, they'll all stand behind me," Kalu said while responding to the question of a newsman who probably does not work in Abia State.

Answering more questions, Kalu said he wants to change the narrative of governance in Abia, stressing that he is not a man known for interest in unnecessary wealth accumulation, which he described as the major bane of leadership in the country.

"Ask my people; you served in government for 8 years and came out poorer.

"Probed repeatedly by all kinds of agencies in Nigeria without fault, it means you're not a man who's interested in stealing. I think it is a capital sin to steal from the people in order to become wealthy.

"I'm a man who's interested in making sure that every Abia tertiary institution student gets at least 100,000 naira as an annual bursary from the state. I'm a man who's interested in sending at least 100 Abians abroad every year for academic purposes. I want to make sure our least ranked civil servants earn a minimum of one hundred and twenty thousand naira (N120,000) as an after-tax minimum and get regular promotion, wage adjustments and allowances with others.

"I'm a man who's interested in building more industries, particularly in the garment and shoe clusters, for the employment of young Abians," he said.

Responding more on governance, Kalu said that his interest is beyond road construction, adding that in his own rating of governance, road construction is elementary, as it only involves signing a contract for it to be done by others.

"There's no innovation there. Of course I'll build roads and flyovers where necessary. I see the traffic need for a flyover at Waterside Ogbor-Hill, Aba, and I'll deliver that. I see a need for it at Isi Gate, Umuahia, and of course in my community in Abiriba where people are dying because of Ugwu Enuda."

Responding to questions about agriculture and education Kalu said, "If you're talking about agriculture, I'll let you know that I've always seen how Abia will show Malaysia that there's nothing special they've done with the Tenera palm seedling that we can't do much better here."

Going further, he said, "We shall put special focus on palms and proliferate so much that people will want to rename Abia Palm State. Palm trees will be in your face when you visit Abia on my watch.

"Abia has some of the best brains in Africa. I recall how Abia came first four consecutive times in the West African Senior Examination. I understand the need for the health care of my people, and I have a plan that states that every senatorial district must have at least two tertiary health institutions that will link up with the primary health care facilities through telemetry.

"Look at our schools; the current government is deceiving themselves and not Abians with smart schools' fake stories. However, we'll come differently because most of our schools are not good to behold anymore.

"The first move I'll make is to secure our public schools by fencing them round, building accommodations for teachers, headmasters, and headmistresses to reside in their places of assignments in Abia State, and establishing permanent security to protect the facilities we'll be putting in place. Without securing the schools, you cannot deploy meaningful learning equipment, and our beloved children won’t be safe. I love Abia schoolchildren and will surely secure them and their teachers on my watch.

'Smart School will be a joke compared to what we're coming up with. 11 years ago, I witnessed a graduation ceremony of a primary school abroad, and I felt ashamed of myself.

"I told my wife that I want to put up something like that as a private person because I own one. However, I now want to execute my plan in Abia State, and I believe we can do it if we end the stealing of public funds.

END

🎯✨ TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) AT WADATA PLAZA, ABUJA ON THURSDAY, 14TH MAY, 2026 ON THE PURPORTED PDP/APM GRAND ALLIANCE GATHERING IN IBADAN, OYO STATE

Gentlemen of the Press,

1. We have called this press briefing to address the misleading narratives and deliberate falsehood being circulated concerning the social gathering scheduled to hold today in Ibadan under the guise of an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

2. Let us state clearly and unequivocally that the PDP is not part of any alliance, coalition, agreement, or political arrangement with the Allied Peoples Movement APM or any other political party regarding this gathering or any related political activity.

3. Any person or group claiming to be acting on behalf of the PDP in connection with this event is doing so without the knowledge, approval, consent, or authority of the party.

4. What is being presented to Nigerians as a political alliance is nothing more than another desperate attempt by Governor Seyi Makinde and his associates to mislead the public and manufacture a false impression of political relevance and support.

5. Governor Makinde must stop attempting to camouflage his political intentions through false claims of alliances and consultations. It is obvious that ego and pride have made it difficult for him to accept the reality of his growing political isolation and failed calculations

6. Just like Governor Bala Mohammed who earlier moved to the APM, Nigerians can now clearly see that today’s gathering in Ibadan is simply a public celebration of Governor Makinde’s movement to the APM and nothing more. His attempts to destroy the PDP have finally been exposed and his agenda has fallen flat.

7. It is unfortunate that in recent times Governor Makinde and others have continued to sponsor media attacks and propaganda aimed at deliberately distorting and misrepresenting the Supreme Court judgment in order to create confusion within the party and among Nigerians.

8. However, it has now become obvious that party members and Nigerians generally have refused to follow him on this journey of political deception and personal ambition.

9. The evidence of this reality was clearly demonstrated by the overwhelming number of aspirants who recently trooped to Wadata Plaza, the headquarters of the PDP to obtain and submit their nomination forms, thereby reaffirming their confidence in the authentic leadership and lawful structure of the PDP under Abdulrahman Mohammad and Senator Samuel Anyawu.

10. If indeed Governor Makinde and his supporters have truly not defected to the APM, then Nigerians deserve to ask this simple question, why did they refuse to remain within the structure they claimed to recognize by purchasing nomination forms from the so-called Kabiru Tanimu led Interim National Working Committee? Their actions have clearly exposed the contradictions between their public claims and political reality. They should therefore be allowed to manage the consequences of their political choices without dragging the PDP into their personal political decisions.

11. The truth remains that propaganda and falsehood have an expiry date. No amount of media manipulation can substitute for political legitimacy and public trust. Clearly, the reality can no longer be hidden, as recent events have completely exposed the true intentions behind these political theatrics. The chicken has finally come home to roast

12. As responsible leaders and law-abiding citizens, we have deliberately refused to descend into unnecessary media wars, childish distractions, and political theatrics. Our focus remains the stability, unity, and future of the party and the country as a whole.

13. We wish to reassure all aspirants, party faithful, stakeholders, and Nigerians that the PDP remains strong, united, and fully prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections without any legal or political impediments.

14. We therefore urge Nigerians and members of the public to disregard the propaganda, theatrics, and misleading narratives surrounding today’s event in Ibadan.

15. Again, for the avoidance of doubt,we wish to reiterate that the PDP has absolutely nothing to do with the gathering in Ibadan. On the contrary, the PDP is today conducting its screening exercise for gubernatorial and presidential aspirants at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, the annex office of our national headquarters, this is coming after yesterday’s successful completion of the States and National Assembly Screening exercise across the country.

16. We thank you all for your attention and continued support.

Signed:

Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed National publicity Secretary

🎯✨ 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐎𝐤𝐢𝐲𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐮 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Umuahia – In a significant boost to the political landscape of Abia State, prominent PDP chieftain and former Commissioner, Chief John Okiyi Kalu (JOK), has formally joined the race for the governorship of Abia State in the 2027 general elections.

Widely respected for his deep commitment to public service, strategic leadership, and proven track record, Chief Kalu is emerging as one of the strongest contenders capable of steering Abia into a new era of accelerated development, economic prosperity, and good governance.

With extensive experience in governance, Chief Kalu served meritoriously as Commissioner for Information and Strategy, and later as Commissioner for Trade and Investment under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in key initiatives, including the remodelling and upgrading of major markets such as Ariaria International Market and Ahia Ohuru, projects aimed at empowering traders, boosting local commerce, and strengthening Abia’s position as a commercial hub in the South East.

Supporters describe him as a pragmatic, people-oriented leader with the vision, integrity, and administrative competence needed to build on Abia’s potential. His deep understanding of the state’s challenges, from infrastructure to youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and industrial growth, positions him uniquely to deliver tangible results.

Chief Kalu has consistently championed the ideals of purposeful leadership, unity, and inclusive development. He believes Abia State, endowed with rich human capital and entrepreneurial spirit, deserves a government that prioritizes innovation, accountability, job creation, and infrastructure renewal.

As the 2027 race gathers momentum, many Abians see in Chief John Okiyi Kalu the ideal bridge to a brighter future, a tested leader who combines experience with fresh ideas, and a strong determination to restore Abia’s glory as one of Nigeria’s most progressive states.

The entrance of Chief Kalu into the race has already generated tremendous excitement and optimism across the state. For many residents, his candidacy represents not just a political contest, but a genuine opportunity for transformative leadership and sustainable development.

Abia is ready for progress. With Chief John Okiyi Kalu at the helm, that future looks not only possible, but certain.

🎯✨ PRESS RELEASE
MAY 7, 2026

PDP FURTHER EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR PURCHASE OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST AND NOMINATION FORMS

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby notifies its members and the general public that the deadline for the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms earlier scheduled to close today , May 7, 2026, has further been extended to May 11, 2026.

The final date for the submission of completed forms has also been extended to close on May 12, 2026.

Screening dates for States and National Assembly Aspirants now rescheduled to May 13, 2026.

Governorship and Presidential Aspirants Screening to hold on May 14, 2026.

All appeals arising from the screening exercise has now been rescheduled to hold on May 15, 2026.

E-registration will close by 12midnigt today May 7,2026.

Therefore, all interested aspirants are advised to take advantage of this final extension and be guided accordingly.

Signed:
Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary

🎯✨In Abia state, women are daring to contest, and daring to rewrite history. Abia State Chapter of the PDP is creating spaces for women to run, indicating maturing of democracy and shift from tokenism to true representation, from promises to power.

🎯Mrs. Anastacia Odochi Uchenna-Ozoemena and
🎯Ms. Gracelyn Oko

Yesterday both picked up their expression of interest&nomination forms for Aba Central State Constituency and Ohafia-North State Constituency respectively.

PDP....Power to the People !

🎯✨ As things stand today, two political figures stand out as formidable challengers to Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party in Abia State: Chief John Okiyi Kalu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Their political structures, reach, and influence position them as serious contenders ahead of the 2027 governorship election. This clearly suggests that the battle for Abia State will most likely be a three-way contest among the Labour Party (LP), the PDP, and the APC.

The road to 2027 promises to be one of the most competitive and closely watched political contests in Abia’s recent history.

🎯✨ I can also now confirm that John Okiyi Kalu (Aka JOK, Aka John Billions) will be contesting for the position of Governor of Abia State.

JOK is not an Ordinary Politician.

JOK practices politics of no bitterness! I have evidences.

JOK is the crowned King of the Boys of Abia Politics. A sizeable number of youths who got into politics and Political appointments during the last administration was thru JOK's nomination and influence. Local Government Chairmen, deputy chairmen, SAs etc. JOK is not the type that will waste time on "I made you arguments".

John Billions promise is similar to an irrevocable standing order. He will surely deliver!

Ngwa Road market remodeling, Ariaria market remodeling bore JOKs imprints. Ahia Udele was not just an eyesore but an environmental and Health risk. JOK played a central rile in a political risky move to relocate that market where will will today build a Rwanda type conference center on the recovered land.

If JOK was the candidate in 2023, maybe, just maybe we could have seen a different result.

John Billion is fearless and maintain relationships!

An interesting election awaits us.

An issue based election awaits us.

Best of Luck, JOK aka John Billions.

Dom Nik
Mayor of Mbano Camp

JOK. John Billions

When Abia State Government launched her Dial-a-Doc project..

I was of the opinion that the program has no basis to succeed. Like me, I made many posts about that. The Government even put out rejoinders to my post.

I was shocked when I got a call from JOK, then Commissioner for Information.

He informed me that they were going to have an inter-ministerial presentation of the program and that he wanted me to attend.

He said something like this..

Dr Dom, I want you to attend this program, yes, I know your position and views about the program. We need those outside voices to help guide us.

I attended the program with Ariwa Zuby and Iroegbu Emenike. I remember us still telling them at the presentation that the program had no basis to succeed.

The rest is history.

Very much unlike an average Nigeria Politician.

There are other stories.

Dom Nik
Mayor of Mbano Camp