Political and community stakeholders in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State have declared support for the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who is seeking another term representing Abia North Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsements were made during Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of Umunneochi, where former council officials, traditional and community leaders, party chieftains, youths and other stakeholders publicly expressed support for his return to the Senate.
Kalu commenced his engagements with a courtesy visit to Eze Franklin Ohalaezim, Ezema III of Lokpanta Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Council.
During the meeting, the traditional ruler recalled some of the projects and other benefits of Kalu’s administration as Governor of Abia State, while acknowledging his longstanding relationship with the people of Umunneochi.
The former governor subsequently proceeded with his ward-to-ward engagements, meeting residents and community leaders while thanking them for their support over the years.
At Eziama Ugwu Ward, former Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Uchechi, declared his support for Kalu’s re-election and called on residents to support his bid for another term.
Victor Etie, Esq., also expressed support for Kalu’s return to the Senate, while other political stakeholders at the gathering joined in backing the former governor.
The stakeholders cited Kalu’s experience in the National Assembly, his longstanding relationship with Umunneochi and projects and interventions attracted to the area as reasons for their support.
At Eziama Agbo Ward 7, another prominent stakeholder and President-General, Chief George Okafor, also declared his support for Kalu.
Similarly, Chief Boniface Okorie, a former youth leader in Umunneochi, urged residents to continue supporting the senator.
The endorsements continued at Obahu/Akawa and Aruikpa Ward, where the President-General of the community, Elder Ihionu John, publicly backed Kalu’s bid for another term.
Responding to the endorsements, Kalu recalled projects and interventions attracted to Nneato and other communities in Umunneochi during his tenure as governor and his time in the Senate.
He thanked the people for their longstanding support and pledged to provide what he described as stronger and more effective representation if re-elected in 2027.
“My relationship with the people of Umunneochi did not start today. From my days as Governor, we have worked for our people in Nneato and other communities across Umunneochi. As your Senator, I have continued to attract projects and interventions to our communities,” Kalu said.
“I know there is still more to be done. I sincerely appreciate the support you have given me over the years, and I assure you that when I am re-elected, I will serve you even better and work harder for the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia North Senatorial District.”
Kalu said the ward-to-ward tour was also an opportunity to present his record directly to constituents, listen to their concerns and understand their priorities.
He maintained that his representation would continue to focus on the interests of people at the grassroots, assuring constituents that their confidence in him would not be taken for granted.
“I have always believed that representation must be about the people. You gave me the mandate to represent you, and I have a responsibility to continue working for you. I will continue to justify that confidence through quality representation,” he said.
Hon. Uche Ebere Stanley was among the political leaders who participated in the Umunneochi tour, alongside other APC chieftains, community stakeholders, women, youths and supporters.
The tour attracted receptions across the wards visited, with stakeholders publicly stating their reasons for supporting Kalu’s bid for another term in the Senate.
Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, has represented Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate since 2019.
