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- Communities cite longstanding ties, performance, accessibility as reasons for backing senator’s re-election
From Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s 2027 re-election has continued to receive fresh momentum as communities and political stakeholders across Ohafia Local Government areas notably Abiriba, Ebem and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State declared their support for his return to the Senate.
The torrents of endorsements came as the former Abia Governor continued his ward-to-ward tour across Abia North, engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, political stakeholders and residents while presenting an account of his representation and listening to the needs of his constituents.
Across the communities visited, speakers cited Kalu’s longstanding relationship with the people, accessibility, experience in the National Assembly and interventions in infrastructure and human capital development as reasons for supporting his re-election in 2027.
Ebem: ‘Our Support Is Based on Longstanding Relationship’
At Ebem Ohafia, the President-General of Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), Chief Uduma Olugu Iroha, explained why the community would support Kalu’s return to the Senate.
Iroha recalled that Kalu’s relationship with Ebem dates back to his tenure as Governor of Abia State and has continued throughout his years in the Senate.
He particularly remembered Kalu’s relationship with the late Engr. Victor Anya Udo, an illustrious son of Ebem, describing the bond as one that helped strengthen the relationship between the former governor and the community.
According to him, the former Chief Whip of the Senate had demonstrated his friendship with Ebem through projects, goodwill and continued engagement with the people.
Former Executive Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Barr. Emeka Ibem Uduma Kalu, also recalled an intervention by Kalu during his tenure as governor which, according to him, resulted in the employment of more than 350 Ohafia indigenes into the local government service.
“More than 350 of our sons and daughters were employed into the local government service through the waiver given by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu when he was governor. That is something our people have not forgotten,” he said.
He added that the gesture had not been replicated by subsequent administrations and said the people would reciprocate Kalu’s past and present interventions with their votes in 2027.
The Youth President of Ebem, Mr. Olua Onwuka, and the Head of Akpan Ebem also expressed support for Kalu’s re-election.
To further demonstrate their goodwill, the community presented Kalu with a live goat through Mrs Ezinne Udo Udoma, Assistant State Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding, Kalu who chairs the Senate committee on South East Development commission expressed his gratitude to the people for their support and described his relationship with Ebem as one that went beyond electoral politics.
“Ebem and I have come a long way. Our relationship did not start because of this election, and it will not end with an election. I know this community, I know many of your families, and I value the friendship we have built over the years,” Kalu said.
He assured the community that he would continue to work for its development and attract more projects and opportunities to the area.
“I am grateful for your support, but I also know that support comes with responsibility. We have done some things, but there is still much more to do. I will continue to work for our people and I will not disappoint you,” he added.
Ohafia Communities Back Kalu
Kalu’s tour also took him through Elu, Nkwebi, Okagwe and Amaekpu, where community leaders and residents expressed support for his continued representation of Abia North.
At Okagwe, Chief Emeka Kalu Ukpai and Chief Ukpai Uduma Uguru commended the senator’s performance and urged him to sustain his interventions across the district.
At Amaekpu, Chief Lucas Emeh Uche, who spoke on behalf of the community, said the people were prepared to stand with Kalu in 2027.
Speaking during the engagements, Kalu said his ward-to-ward tour was designed to maintain direct contact with constituents, give an account of his stewardship and listen to the priorities of the people.
“For me, representation means being with the people. I must come home, sit with you, listen to you and understand what you need.
“Our politics should be about development and what we can do together for our people. That is the partnership I believe in, a partnership that works for all,” he said.
A major highlight of the Amaekpu engagement was the presentation of a car to the community’s youth leader, Ulu Nkata, by the APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa. Kalu formally presented the vehicle key to the beneficiary amid cheers from residents.
Abiriba stakeholders speak with one voice
The momentum continued in Abiriba Kingdom, where traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, women and youths endorsed Kalu’s re-election.
Kalu began the Abiriba leg of his tour with courtesy visits to His Royal Majesty, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba Kingdom, and Eze Nwami, Chief Mrs. Ute Okocha K. Uba, at Obi Eze Ndi Iyom.
The traditional institutions commended Kalu’s longstanding relationship with Abiriba and his representation of the people, noting that the former governor, who holds a traditional title in the ancient kingdom, remains a beloved son of the community.
Addressing residents during the ward engagements, Kalu recalled his interventions in Abiriba during his tenure as governor, including the construction of ring roads and the appointment of several Abiriba sons and daughters into his administration.
“My relationship with Abiriba did not start today. When I was Governor, we constructed roads here and gave Abiriba sons and daughters the opportunity to serve in our government. People like Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, Chief George Nnanna Kalu and many others played important roles in our administration,” Kalu said.
“You have supported me right from my days as Governor, and I have continued to stand with Abiriba. Today, as your Senator, we are still bringing roads, schools and other projects to our communities. I am grateful for the support you have given me over the years, and I assure you that we will do even more.”
At Ugwu Nchara, Kalu announced that construction of the farm road leading to Ogo Ubi would commence by June next year.
“By June next year, we will begin the construction of the farm road leading to Ogo Ubi. After the 2027 election, we will also continue with more roads, primary schools and health centres. Abiriba has supported me, and I will continue to reciprocate that support with development,” he said.
Former Abia State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Chief George Nnanna Kalu, recalled his time in Kalu’s administration, saying the former governor provided the necessary approvals and support for the execution of road projects and other infrastructure in Abiriba.
APC chieftain Hon. Ikechi Anya also urged Abiriba residents to support Kalu, arguing that his status as a ranking senator placed him in a strong position to attract development and provide an influential voice for Abia North in the National Assembly.
Chief Prince Uba Obasi E. and former Ohafia Local Government Chairman, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe, also expressed support for Kalu’s return to the Senate.
For Mr. Okocha Urum, the relationship with Kalu was personal. He recalled how the senator sponsored him to China for further technical training, describing the opportunity as an intervention that contributed significantly to his development.
Chief Edward Okocha said Abiriba was solidly behind Kalu and other APC candidates, including Hon. Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa and Hon. Robinson Otuwe Kalu.
Ukwa, in turn, thanked the people for their reception and said that, despite not currently holding elected office, he had facilitated hundreds of solar-powered streetlights and provided educational materials to pupils and students in Abiriba.
He pledged to expand his interventions if elected to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
Kalu thanked the Abiriba people for their continued friendship and support.
“Abiriba has been with me for many years. I will never take your love and support for granted. This is a relationship we have built together, and it is a partnership that works. We will continue to move forward together,” he said.
Umunneochi stakeholders rally behind Kalu
The endorsement wave extended to Umunneochi Local Government Area, where political and community stakeholders also backed Kalu’s re-election.
Kalu commenced his Umunneochi engagements with a courtesy visit to Eze Franklin Ohalaezim, Ezema III of Lokpanta Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Council.
The traditional ruler recalled some of the dividends of democracy brought to Umunneochi during Kalu’s tenure as governor and acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the people.
At Eziama Ugwu Ward, former Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Uchechi, declared his support for Kalu’s re-election and urged residents to stand behind the senator in 2027.
Victor Etie, Esq., also backed Kalu’s return, while other stakeholders cited his experience in the National Assembly, relationship with Umunneochi and projects attracted to the area.
At Eziama Agbo Ward 7, prominent stakeholder and President-General, Chief George Okafor, affirmed his support for the senator, while former youth leader, Chief Boniface Okorie, also urged residents to support Kalu.
The endorsements continued at Obahu/Akawa and Aruikpa Ward, where the President-General of the community, Elder Ihionu John, also threw his weight behind Kalu’s bid.
Kalu recalled projects and interventions he had attracted to Nneato and other communities in Umunneochi both as governor and senator.
“My relationship with the people of Umunneochi did not start today. From my days as Governor, we have worked for our people in Nneato and other communities across Umunneochi. As your Senator, I have continued to attract projects and interventions to our communities,” Kalu said.
“I know there is still more to be done. I sincerely appreciate the support you have given me over the years, and I assure you that when I am re-elected, I will serve you even better and work harder for the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia North Senatorial District.”
He said the ward-to-ward engagements were also an opportunity to present his stewardship directly to constituents, listen to their concerns and understand their priorities.
“I have always believed that representation must be about the people. You gave me the mandate to represent you, and I have a responsibility to continue working for you. I will continue to justify that confidence through quality representation,” he said.
The Umunneochi tour attracted APC chieftains, community stakeholders, women, youths and supporters, including Hon. Uche Ebere Stanley.
Kalu has represented Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate since 2019 which is has recorded massive development projects and as equally earned him awards from reputable institutions and organizations.
The tour continues to provide the senator with an opportunity to engage directly with constituents across the district as he seeks another term in the Senate in 2027.
