The Chairman, ECK Foundation, Dr. Emeka Kalu, has denied claims that he was persuaded by the Deputy Speaker and Ikwuishi to withdraw from the political contest in favour of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Kalu, in a statement, described the claim as unfounded, insisting that his decision to step down was voluntary and motivated by his desire to preserve peace and unity within the party.
He said nobody compelled, negotiated with or persuaded him to abandon his ambition, stressing that he personally chose to withdraw in the broader interest of the party.
According to him, his decision was aimed at preventing rancour, bitterness and division within the party ahead of the general election.
Kalu also dismissed any suggestion that his withdrawal amounted to an admission that he lacked the political strength to defeat Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in a general election.
While expressing respect for the senator, he said he remained confident in his grassroots support, political capacity and ability to compete effectively.
“I stepped down because I chose peace over personal ambition—not because I was afraid of the contest,” he said.
Kalu maintained that voluntarily withdrawing for the sake of party unity was fundamentally different from being forced out because of an inability to win.
He urged those involved in the political process to stop what he described as attempts to rewrite history or create narratives that did not reflect what actually transpired.
The ECK Foundation chairman said he remained committed to the progress of the people, the strengthening of the party and the political development of Abia State.
He described his decision as an act of maturity, sacrifice and political responsibility, rather than weakness, insisting that leadership sometimes requires placing collective interest above personal ambition.
