WHY ABIA NORTH SHOULD REJECT SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU THIRD TERM AGENDA.
By: Comr. Ahamefula Kalu Aki.
A long political career marked by highs and lows. As former Governor of Abia State (1999–2007), he positioned himself as a development advocate, but his record is tainted by serious allegations of financial misconduct, including a high-profile fraud conviction that was later nullified. While Senator Kalu enjoys social media endorsements from various unidentified groups ahead of the 2027 elections—such as few sycophants leaders from Ohafia praising his projects and APC chieftains urging rivals to step aside—we all know that his re-election would perpetuate a cycle of unaccountability, sycophancy, and underwhelming legislative impact. Below, I will outline key reasons, drawing from his historical and recent actions, why voters in Abia North and beyond should reject his bid for another term and give Ohafia man a chance.
Lingering Corruption Scandals and Erosion of Public Trust
Kalu’s political journey is inseparable from corruption allegations that have dogged him for decades. In 2019, he was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos for diverting N7.1 billion in Abia State funds during his governorship, a case tied to money laundering and false asset declarations. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to repay the funds, but the Supreme Court nullified the conviction in 2020 on procedural grounds, ordering a retrial that has dragged on without resolution. This isn’t an isolated incident; during his time as governor, Kalu faced probes over inflated contracts and asset concealment, including claims he falsely awarded himself a national honor (Member of the Order of the Niger) without merit.
Re-electing Kalu in 2027 would signal tolerance for leaders whose personal legal battles overshadow governance. Despite his denials, these cases highlight a pattern of opacity in public finance management—Abia State under his watch saw massive debt accumulation without commensurate infrastructure delivery. Voters deserve representatives unburdened by such shadows, especially in a Southeast region plagued by marginalization and economic neglect.
In a chamber meant to check executive excess, Kalu’s focus on 2027 campaign for a third term while dismissing opposition fears—diverts from pressing issues like Southeast insecurity and economic woes, electricity blackout in Ohafia. His self-suspension of presidential ambitions until 2031 to back Tinubu further cements this image of a career politician chasing higher rungs rather than serving constituents. Abia North needs a senator who legislates boldly, not one who campaigns prematurely.
Questionable Development Legacy and Uneven Impact
While Kalu touts projects like 187 roads, 123 schools, and a cashew processing factory in Abia North as reasons for re-election, scrutiny reveals gaps. Many initiatives, such as rural roads in Ohafia, and Umunneochi, are continuations of federal allocations rather than innovative personal interventions. During his governorship, Abia was accused of “ghost worker” scandals and unfinished projects, including a proposed seaport blocked amid political feuds with then-President Obasanjo. Recent endorsements from clerics and youth groups highlight solar streetlights and cashew jobs, but these pale against broader failures: Abia remains one of Nigeria’s poorest states during his time as a Governor, with high youth unemployment and poor healthcare access.
Kalu’s “influence” as a media mogul (owner of The Sun and New Telegraph) is often cited as an asset, but it raises conflict-of-interest concerns—his outlets frequently amplify pro-APC narratives, potentially biasing public discourse. Re-election would entrench this, prioritizing media spin over tangible, measurable progress.
Time for Accountability and New Leadership
Orji Uzor Kalu’s charisma and networks have sustained his career, but they mask a legacy of legal entanglements, performative politics, and uneven delivery. In 2027, Abia North voters face a choice: continuity under a flawed veteran or renewal with accountable leaders. Rejecting Kalu isn’t about erasing his contributions—it’s about demanding better in a democracy weary of recycled scandals. As one analyst put it, if lawmakers like Kalu prioritize “licking boots” over nation-building, they belong on campaign trails, not in the Senate. The people of Abia deserve more.
Ohafia LGA Deserve A Chance in Abia North Senatorial District.
