Politics
2027: Why Ebem Ohafia Will Vote Massively for Orji Kalu – President General
The President-General of Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), Chief Uduma Olugu Iroha, has explained why the community will support the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2027, citing his longstanding relationship with the people and interventions in the area.
Iroha spoke when Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, visited Ebem Ohafia in continuation of his ward-to-ward tour.
Addressing residents who gathered to receive the senator, the EODU President-General recalled that Kalu’s relationship with Ebem stretched back to his years as governor of Abia State and had continued during his time in the Senate.
He particularly recalled Kalu’s close relationship with the late Engr. Victor Anya Udo, an illustrious son of Ebem, saying the relationship helped strengthen the bond between Kalu and the community.
According to Iroha, Kalu had over the years 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.
He said Kalu granted a waiver that made the recruitment possible, describing it as an intervention that benefited families across Ohafia.
“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 spoke during the reception, expressing support for Kalu’s re-election.
As part of the reception, the community presented Kalu with a live goat through Mrs Ezinne Udo Udoma, Assistant State Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding, Kalu thanked the people for their support over the years, describing his relationship with Ebem as one that went beyond 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 the development of Ebem and other parts of Abia North.
“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.
Kalu was accompanied on the visit by the APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa; APC House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Nelson Destiny Uchechukwu; High Chief Uche Ogboso; Hon. Ikechi Anya; Hon. George Nnanna Kalu; Prince Emma Nwosu; leaders of the OUK Movement and other party chieftains.
The Ebem visit formed part of Kalu’s ongoing ward-to-ward engagements across Ohafia ahead of the 2027 general election.