Politics
2027: Other Zones Now Envious of Abia North Over Orji Kalu’s Performance – Mbala, Achara Leaders Back Re-election
From Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
Community leaders and political stakeholders in Mbala and Achara communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State have endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for re-election in 2027, citing his performance, constituency projects and contributions to grassroots development.
The endorsement came during Kalu’s ongoing ward-to-ward tour of Umunneochi on Saturday, where community leaders urged residents to prioritise performance and tangible development over political sentiments.
Speaking during the engagements, ESV Olekanma said other senatorial districts were now envious of Abia North because of the development projects and quality representation the district had attracted under Kalu.
He urged residents to remain focused on sustaining the progress recorded in the district and attracting more federal projects, warning against allowing sentiments to undermine their collective development interests.
Mbala Leaders Seek Digital Equipment for Community Secretariat
At Mbala, the community’s Secretary, Dr. Udegbulam Stanley, who represented the President-General, welcomed Kalu and commended his contributions to Umunneochi and other parts of Abia North.
Stanley disclosed that the community had constructed a secretariat to strengthen its administration and coordinate its activities but required additional facilities to make it fully operational.
He appealed to the senator to provide laptops, computers and other digital equipment to enhance record-keeping, communication and administrative efficiency.
Achara PG Recalls Personal Benefits of Kalu’s Intervention
In Achara, the President-General, Comrade Umealo Ekperebuike, recounted how an intervention during Kalu’s tenure as governor of Abia State had positively transformed his life.
Ekperebuike recalled benefiting from an employment waiver that enabled him to secure a local government job, attain financial stability and sponsor himself through university.
Describing the opportunity as a turning point in his life, he expressed appreciation for the intervention and appealed to the senator to help address the community’s persistent electricity challenges.
He specifically requested support for the procurement of electrical insulators, low- and high-tension wires, and other materials required to restore electricity to the community.
The Achara leader also pledged the community’s support for Kalu’s re-election in 2027, expressing confidence in his ability to respond to their development needs.
Kalu Promises to Consider Requests, Attract More Projects
Responding, Kalu thanked the community leaders, elders, women and youths for their warm reception and continued support.
He explained that the ward-to-ward tour was designed to strengthen direct engagement with constituents, understand their challenges and provide a platform for residents to communicate their needs.
The senator assured the communities that their requests would receive consideration, adding that he would continue to engage relevant federal agencies to attract development projects and opportunities to Abia North.
He reaffirmed his commitment to rural development, education and infrastructure, recalling the free education policy and rural road projects implemented during his tenure as governor of Abia State.
Kalu pledged to strengthen his representation and deliver more development initiatives to the people if re-elected in 2027.
APC Leaders Join Ward-to-Ward Tour
Among the dignitaries who accompanied the senator were former Umunneochi Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Collins Uchechi; APC candidate for Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Uche Stanley Ebere; Hon. Lilian Obenwa; and Hon. Simon Aladimpali.
Other APC leaders, members of the OUK Movement and community stakeholders also participated in the engagements.
As part of the ongoing tour, Kalu also visited Umuaku Ward 1, Umuaku Ward 2 and Umuobasi Ward, where he interacted with residents and received further requests for development projects.
The visits form part of his continuing consultations across Umunneochi ahead of the 2027 general elections.