Abia North 2027: Ohafia erupts for Orji Kalu

• Mammoth crowds converge on communities, back Kalu’s return to Senate as former governor holds ward-to-ward tour

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Thursday received a rousing welcome from residents, traditional rulers, youths, women and political stakeholders during his ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

Kalu touched down seven communities and wards, including Amangwu, Okon, Amuma, Ndi Ibe/Ufiele, Eziafor/Ndi Orieke, Asaga and Amuke as part of his ongoing grassroots engagements across the senatorial district.

At each stop, community leaders, party loyalists and supporters expressed appreciation for what they described as Kalu’s longstanding relationship with Ohafia and his contributions to infrastructure, education, empowerment and human-capital development.

The visit began at Achichi Ohafia in Elu, where Kalu walked through the community for about one kilometre, exchanging greetings with residents who came out to welcome him.

The community holds particular significance for the former Abia State governor, having been the venue where he was conferred with the traditional title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.

Kalu subsequently met with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, O’no’ko’ Nde Ezieogo Ohafia, chaired by the Udumeze Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Oji Udonsi.

Women group

The meeting focused on the development of Ohafia, Abia North and Abia State, with Kalu describing the traditional institution as an important partner in grassroots development and the preservation of cultural values.

“Achichi holds a special place in my heart. It was here that I was conferred with the revered title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom. Beyond the title, my relationship with Ohafia runs deep,” Kalu said.

He also recalled that he belongs to an age grade in Ohafia, describing it as another reflection of his longstanding social and cultural ties with the people. The senator conveyed his gratitude to the monarchs for their leadership and efforts towards maintaining peace, unity and justice across the 26 villages of Ohafia.

“Our traditional institutions remain critical partners in the development of our communities and the preservation of the values and traditions that bind our people together,” he said.

Kalu also listed out some long standing projects and programmes associated with his years as governor and his representation of Abia North in the Senate. He cited the Ebem-Asaga-Ndi Ibe-Amuma-Okon-Amangwu road, rural electrification projects and other roads in Abia Ohafia, Akanu, Isiugwu, Ndi Uduma Awoke and Ndi Orieke, as well as internal roads in Amaekpu.

On education, he recalled the free education programme implemented during his administration as governor, adding that his commitment to education had continued through his current representation.

According to him, more than 20 classroom blocks have been facilitated across Ohafia Local Government Area, alongside scholarships, educational support and opportunities for young people to participate in international training and capacity-building programmes.

A section of the crowd

Kalu, who chairs the Senate committee on South East Development Commission, also recalled his relationship with the late Rev. James Ukaegbu, who, he said, encouraged him to support the construction of the central Presbyterian Church in Elu Ohafia.

“Ohafia has a special place in my heart. My relationship with Ohafia did not start with my election to the Senate. This is home to me, and our relationship has been built over many years,” he said.

Responding, the Udumeze Ohafia pledged continued goodwill towards Kalu.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and political leader, High Chief Uche Ogboso, however, used the occasion to appeal to political actors in the area to preserve the peace of Ohafia, urging politicians to avoid actions that could inflame political tensions or intimidate members of opposing political groups.

From Achichi, Kalu proceeded to the various communities on his ward tour, where supporters turned out in large numbers to receive him.

At Amangwu, Okon, Amuma, Ndi Ibe/Ufiele, Eziafor/Ndi Orieke, Asaga and Amuke, youths, women, chiefs and community leaders spoke about Kalu’s accessibility and relationship with the communities. Some of those who spoke also cited roads, rural electrification, classroom blocks, scholarships, empowerment initiatives and human-capital programmes as reasons for supporting his continued representation.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Ukpai Ufere said young people in the area appreciated what he described as Kalu’s longstanding relationship with Ohafia.

Similarly, Elder Mary Kalu, who spoke on behalf of the women, said the senator’s relationship with the community predated his election to the Senate.

At the various stops, some community leaders and supporters declared their support for Kalu’s bid to return to the Senate in 2027.

Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu, Ph.D., in a statement on the senator’s visit, described Kalu as a brother and friend of the Ohafia people, citing roads, water projects and other interventions associated with his tenure as governor.

Uchendu said the support for Kalu’s return to the Senate was based on what he described as his experience, established relationships and legislative position. The visit to Okon also provided an opportunity for Kalu to reconnect with members of his age grade in Ohafia, with the senator exchanging pleasantries with members and recalling their longstanding association. At Ndi Ibe, Kalu thanked residents for the reception, saying the turnout reflected the relationship he had maintained with communities across Abia North.

“The love, support and encouragement I received at Ndi Ibe were not surprising. Ndi Ibe has always been my home, just like other communities. Whether small or big, every Abia North constituent is equal in my sight,” he said.

He also visited Eziafor/Ndi Orieke, Asaga, Amuma, Amangwu and Amuke, where he interacted with residents and community leaders.

Kalu said the ward-to-ward tour was designed to take his engagement directly to the grassroots, assess the impact of previous interventions and listen to the priorities and expectations of constituents.

The senator was accompanied by APC leaders and stakeholders in Ohafia LGA, including the party’s candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Nicholas Ukwa; candidate for Ohafia South State Constituency, Destiny Uchechukwu; High Chief Uche Ogboso; APC State Treasurer, Mrs Ezinne Udo Udoma; former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Mba Ukaha; and Ohafia LGA APC Chairman, Dr Emeka Kalu.

Others included Okon Udo Udoma, Esq.; former President of Mben Political Assembly, Arch. Lucas Emeh Onuh; former commissioners; chairmen of the OUK Movement and Reality Organisation; party chieftains, community leaders and supporters.

Kalu concluded the visit by describing Ohafia as home and thanking the people for what he called their longstanding friendship and affection.

“It is always good to be home,” he said

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