Prof. Nwogu Speaks on Port Harcourt Road, Urges APC to Present Strong Candidate in 2027

Political economist and academic, Professor Chinedu Nwogu, has shared his views on the Port Harcourt Road project in Aba, Abia State, while also advising the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rally behind a credible candidate from Abia North ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking to journalists, Professor Nwogu dismissed claims that the Port Harcourt Road was abandoned by past administrations. He recalled that the road was among the projects commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the tenure of then Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

“This Port Harcourt Road, alongside other projects, was why Obasanjo described OUK as an ‘action governor’. It is misleading to paint Abia as if nothing was achieved,” he stated.

He explained that the road’s current condition was largely due to constant flooding from Ariaria to Waterside, coupled with a court ruling that stalled critical drainage works under Kalu’s government.

“As someone who lived in Aba, I recall landlords and property owners taking Governor Kalu to court over the drainage project. Justice Akomas issued an injunction halting the work because several buildings were marked for demolition,” Nwogu said.

Highlighting Kalu’s achievements, Nwogu listed projects such as the construction of commissioners’ quarters, 15 general hospitals, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), multiple road networks across Ngwa land, Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia, electrification projects, as well as farm estates and stadiums.

“Orji Uzor Kalu built infrastructure that others could not maintain. He introduced free healthcare and education and built the Abia Houses in Abuja. At that time, Abia was a progressive state with reputable commissioners and advisers. Sadly, many of them are silent today.”

Turning to the present administration, Nwogu criticised Governor Alex Otti’s handling of the Port Harcourt Road project, questioning the reported ₦30 billion spent on it.

“I am from Isiala Ngwa South, and honestly, I feel ashamed because I cannot point to any project Otti has initiated or completed in Ngwa land. The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is coming to commission a six-kilometre road is embarrassing,” he remarked.

Nwogu urged the APC in Abia to unite and field a strong candidate from Abia North to challenge Governor Otti in 2027, arguing that the resources available to the current administration have not been translated into meaningful development.

“It’s time for the APC to put its house in order. Although I have no personal ties with Orji Uzor Kalu, he remains the face of the party in Abia. He should step out of his comfort zone, mobilise the party, and deliver both President Tinubu and a new governor in 2027,” he advised.

According to Nwogu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu still enjoys strong support from traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, and women across Abia. He added that Kalu’s record as a senator further strengthens his influence within the party.

“He is the consensus candidate for Abia North, but we expect him to go beyond that and help give Abia a new governor in 2027.”