The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has thrown its weight behind Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s bid to retain the Abia North Senatorial seat in 2027, while faulting a recent call by Hon. Amobi Ogah for the senator to retire from the race.
COSEYL, in a statement signed by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, said the decision on who represents Abia North in the Senate should be left to voters across the senatorial district.
Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, had reportedly called for Kalu’s retirement and advocated for a fresh face to represent the district.
Reacting, COSEYL said Ogah had no basis to dictate who the people of Abia North should elect, stressing that the senatorial district comprises Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi local government areas.
The group argued that Kalu’s experience and record in public office should be considered by voters ahead of the 2027 election.
COSEYL cited Kalu’s tenure as Abia State governor between 1999 and 2007, as well as projects and empowerment programmes it attributed to his current tenure in the Senate.
The group specifically claimed that Kalu had facilitated more than 120 roads, over 100 schools and various human-capital development initiatives across Abia North.
According to COSEYL, “Abia North needs a proven face,” arguing that experience, legislative influence and national connections were important considerations for voters choosing a senator.
The organisation also referenced the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who represented Abia North for three terms, arguing that his tenure demonstrated that there was no fixed requirement for a senator to leave office after two terms.
COSEYL further accused Ogah of applying a double standard by criticising Kalu’s continued stay in the Senate while, according to the group, remaining silent about another senatorial aspirant who it alleged had spent 20 years in the Senate.
The youth coalition subsequently passed what it described as an “unalloyed vote of confidence” in Kalu, describing him as experienced and capable of continuing to represent Abia North.
It also claimed that constituents in Isuikwuato had endorsed Kalu for another term, while urging Ogah to focus on his responsibilities as a member of the House of Representatives.
COSEYL said the final decision on the 2027 Abia North senatorial contest should be made by voters through the democratic process.
“Abia North has decided. It is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu beyond 2027,” the group declared.
