ABIA NORTH 2027: COSEYL FIRES BACK AT OGAH, BACKS KALU’S SENATE RETURN
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has taken a swipe at the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, over his reported call for the retirement of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from the Senate ahead of the 2027 elections.
COSEYL, in a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, described Ogah’s position as an attempt to dictate to the people of Abia North who should represent them in the Senate.
The apex socio-political youth organisation in the South-East, said Ogah had “overstepped his bounds” by seeking to determine the political future of the five local government areas that make up Abia North Senatorial District.
According to COSEYL, the choice of a senator for Abia North remains the constitutional and democratic prerogative of voters across Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi.
The group said, “It is the height of political arrogance for Hon. Amobi Ogah to tell the good people of Abia North who will represent them at the Senate.”
COSEYL also declared its support for Kalu’s bid for another term, passing what it described as an “unalloyed vote of confidence” in the former Abia State governor.
The group argued that Kalu’s experience, legislative ranking and political network should be considered by voters, particularly at a time when effective representation and influence in the National Assembly remain significant factors in legislative politics.
COSEYL cited Kalu’s tenure as governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007, as well as projects and empowerment programmes it attributed to his current tenure in the Senate, including roads, schools and human-capital development initiatives.
The organisation maintained that the call for a “fresh face” in Abia North should not, in its view, override considerations of experience and demonstrated performance.
“Abia North needs a proven face,” the group said, insisting that democracy should be anchored on performance, capacity and results rather than rotation alone.
COSEYL further invoked the political history of the district, recalling that Kalu had supported the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who represented Abia North for three terms.
The group argued that Chukwumerije’s three-term tenure should be considered alongside the current political debate over Kalu’s ambition to return to the Senate for another term.
It also accused Ogah of applying “double standards” in his criticism of Kalu, alleging that he had not raised similar objections against other long-serving political figures.
COSEYL subsequently declared that Kalu remained its preferred candidate for the Abia North senatorial contest.
The group said it was particularly encouraged by what it described as an endorsement of Kalu by people in Isuikwuato, adding that the decision of voters, rather than the position of an individual political office holder, should determine the outcome of the 2027 contest.
The youth coalition, however, urged Ogah to concentrate on his responsibilities as the representative of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and allow the electorate in Abia North to make their choice through the democratic process.
“Abia North has decided. It is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu beyond 2027,” COSEYL declared.