Communities in Ohafia South Local Government Area of Abia State have declared support for the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2027, describing his return to the Senate as a project they are willing to support.
The declarations were made on Saturday during Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of the area, where he visited Ebem, Elu, Nkwebi, Okagwe and Amaekpu communities to engage residents and present an account of his stewardship as the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District.
Community leaders at the various stops cited Kalu’s longstanding relationship with Ohafia, accessibility and projects attracted to the area as reasons for their support for his re-election bid.
In Ebem, the community’s President-General recalled the longstanding relationship between the people and the former Abia State governor, noting that their ties had endured beyond electoral contests.
As a demonstration of goodwill, the community presented Kalu with a live goat through Mrs Ezinne Udo Udoma, Assistant State Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At Okagwe, Chief Emeka Kalu Ukpai and Chief Ukpai Uduma Uguru commended the senator’s performance and urged him to sustain his interventions and development efforts across the district.
Similarly, Amaekpu community expressed its readiness to support Kalu’s return to the Senate in 2027, with Chief Lucas Emeh Uche, who spoke on behalf of the community, affirming their position during the engagement.
Responding to the endorsements, Kalu expressed appreciation to the communities for their confidence in him, describing his relationship with Ohafia as one built over several years and extending beyond partisan politics.
“I have known the people of Ohafia for many years and our relationship did not start today because of politics. We have been together through the years, and I consider Ohafia my home,” he said.
The senator said the ward-to-ward tour was designed to give him an opportunity to account for his stewardship while also listening directly to the concerns and expectations of his constituents.
“I have come to give you an account of what we have done and also to hear directly from you about what still needs to be done. We have attracted roads and other projects to our communities, but I know there is still much more work ahead,” Kalu said.
He pledged to continue pursuing development projects and opportunities for the people, assuring the communities that he would not take their confidence for granted.
“I will continue to work for you and push for more projects and opportunities for our people. I will never take your confidence for granted, and I will never disappoint you,” he added.
Kalu further emphasised the importance of maintaining direct engagement with constituents, stating that effective representation required regular interaction with the people and an understanding of their needs.
“For me, representation means being with the people. I must come home, sit with you, listen to you and understand what you need,” he said.
He also called for a development-focused approach to politics, stressing the importance of collaboration between elected representatives and their constituents in addressing challenges facing communities.
“Our politics should be about development and what we can do together for our people. That is the partnership I believe in — a partnership that works for all,” Kalu stated.
A major highlight of the Amaekpu visit was the presentation of a vehicle to the community’s youth leader, Ulu Nkata, by Chief Ikenna Ukwa, the APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency. Kalu formally handed the vehicle key to the beneficiary amid cheers from residents.
Other dignitaries who spoke during the tour included the APC House of Assembly candidate, Hon. Nelson Destiny Uchechukwu; High Chief Uche Ogboso; and former council chairman, Barr. Emeka Kalu, PhD.
The tour also attracted the presence of Hon. Ikechi Anya, Hon. George Nnanna Kalu and Prince Emma Nwosu, alongside leaders of the OUK Movement, Reality Organization and other APC chieftains.
Following the engagement in Amaekpu, Kalu and his entourage were hosted at the residence of Nicholas Ukwa in the community. Ukwa’s father also joined in welcoming the senator and members of his delegation, bringing the day’s activities in Ohafia South to a close.
