An Abia-born cleric, Rev. Okoro Elekwa of the Baptist Church, has called on other aspirants for the Abia North Senatorial seat to withdraw from the race and support the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2027.
Elekwa said the turnout being recorded during Kalu’s ongoing ward-to-ward engagements in Abia North showed, in his view, that the former Abia State governor still enjoyed significant grassroots support across the senatorial district.
Speaking on Kalu’s ongoing tour of communities in Isikwuato Local Government Area, the cleric said the senator’s performance in office remained his major selling point.
“What we are seeing across the communities is beyond ordinary political mobilisation. The massive turnout and the way the people are receiving Senator Orji Uzor Kalu show that he remains popular at the grassroots,” Elekwa said.
“His performance is his biggest selling point. The people can see the roads, schools, educational interventions, scholarships, empowerment programmes and other projects attracted to their communities.
“For this reason, I believe other aspirants should consider withdrawing and openly supporting his return to the Senate. This should go beyond individual political ambition. We should look at what will benefit Abia State and the South East as a whole.”
Elekwa said Abia State and the South East needed experienced political leaders who could use their positions and networks to advance the interests of the region at the national level.
According to him, Kalu’s years in public service and his position in the Senate had given him experience and relationships which, he argued, could be useful to the state and the region.
He urged political actors in Abia North to conduct their activities peacefully and place the development of the senatorial district above personal interests.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, has been touring wards and communities in Isikwuato LGA, where he has been presenting his stewardship to constituents and receiving feedback on their development needs.
The tour has taken him to several communities, including Acha Ward 16, Ezera Ward 2 and Umuasua Ward 13, among others.