2027: Cleric Calls For Continuity, Backs Tinubu, Orji Kalu, Otti

Abia-born cleric, Rev. Chika Ubani, has called on Abians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Alex Otti, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Aba on Friday, Ubani said the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections favours President Tinubu, arguing that the opposition’s inability to forge a united front has strengthened the President’s chances of securing another term.

He urged the people of the South-East, particularly Abians, to align with the President’s re-election bid in order to strengthen the region’s influence at the centre.

“The opposition has not been able to unite behind a common agenda or candidate. That reality has further strengthened President Tinubu’s prospects in 2027. Rather than waste our votes, the South-East should support his re-election so that our region can have a stronger voice and greater stake at the centre,” he said.

Commenting on the Abia governorship race, the cleric maintained that Governor Alex Otti remains the favourite to retain his seat, alleging that the APC in the state had failed to build the unity required to present a formidable challenger.

According to him, internal divisions within the party have weakened its chances of mounting a serious contest against the incumbent governor.

“The APC in Abia State has not demonstrated the level of unity needed to challenge Governor Alex Otti effectively. As things stand today, the party has not produced a governorship candidate with the political strength to dislodge the governor. Abians should therefore give Governor Otti another opportunity to consolidate on his administration’s programmes,” he stated.

Ubani also endorsed the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, describing the former governor as the most impactful senator the state has produced.

He credited Kalu with delivering major road infrastructure, educational support programmes, scholarships, school construction, and youth empowerment initiatives across his constituency.

“In my opinion, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is currently the best senator Abia State has produced. In just seven years, he has delivered projects and opportunities that many people never witnessed over several decades. From roads to scholarships, school construction, youth development and human capital investment, his record speaks for itself. He deserves another term to continue that work,” he said.

On the Abia South Senatorial District contest, the cleric threw his weight behind the APC candidate, arguing that the district should embrace equity and fairness in the distribution of political offices.

He said it would be unjust for one local government area to continue dominating the senatorial seat, calling for power to rotate to another local government within the district.

“The principle of fairness should guide our politics. It is not healthy for one local government to continue monopolising the Abia South senatorial seat. I believe the time has come for power to shift to another local government area, and I urge the electorate to support the APC candidate in the interest of equity and inclusion,” Ubani added.