Ndi Abia North: Are We at the Mercy of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu?

By Comrade Ahamefula Kalu Aki

In the heart of Abia North, the political landscape has long been dominated by one family: the Kalus. As constituents, we must ask ourselves—are we truly at the mercy of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and his enduring influence? From the corridors of the House of Representatives to the governorship of Abia State and now the Senate, Kalu’s career spans decades, intertwined with defections, electoral victories, and a web of family appointments that raise questions about power consolidation in our region. This article traces his journey, his family’s political ascent, and the implications for Abia North’s future.

The Political Rise of Orji Uzor Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s foray into politics began during the short-lived Third Republic under the National Republican Convention (NRC). Elected to the House of Representatives for Abia North in 1992, he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Deputy Chairman of both the Finance and Internal Affairs Committees.

Kalu’s ambitions expanded with the dawn of the Fourth Republic. In 1999, he won the Abia State gubernatorial election on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, defeating prominent rivals. He was reelected in 2003, serving two full terms until 2007.

His senatorial aspirations faced early setbacks. In 2011, Kalu contested the Abia North Senate seat on the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) platform but lost. Undeterred, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016, marking a pivotal shift in his political alignment.

Kalu’s persistence paid off in 2019 when he secured the Abia North Senate seat under the APC banner. During the 9th Assembly (2019–2023), he served as Senate Chief Whip, a key leadership role that amplified his national influence. In the 10th Assembly, he chairs the Senate Committee on Privatization and vice-chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions—positions that underscore his grip on economic and fiscal policy.

The Kalu Family’s Expanding Political Empire

Kalu’s influence extends far beyond his personal achievements; it is a family dynasty, with siblings and children strategically placed in roles that span state, federal, and even diplomatic spheres. Recent appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration highlight this consolidation, often perceived as rewards for loyalty and alignment with federal priorities.

Immediate Younger Brother: Hon. Nnanna Uzor Kalu

• Elected to the House of Representatives for Abia North in 2007 under the PPA platform.
• Nominated by President Tinubu in 2025 as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission (representing the South-East slot), blending legislative oversight with federal patronage.

Mascot Uzor Kalu (Younger Brother)

Mascot’s career mirrors the family’s deep roots in Abia politics:

• Appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties during Orji Uzor Kalu’s governorship.
• Served as Chief of Staff to Governor Theodore Orji (Kalu’s successor) from 2007 to 2011.
• Elected to the Abia State House of Assembly (2003–2007) under the PPA.
• Ran for Abia governorship in 2023 on the All Peoples Party (APP) ticket but lost.
• Recently declared his APC gubernatorial ambition for 2027, framing it as an act of “patriotism” amid whispers of internal party maneuvering.

Neya Uzor Kalu (Daughter)

As a lawyer, Neya represents the next generation’s entry into high-stakes roles:

• Nominated on November 30, 2025, as a non-career ambassador (Abia slot) by President Tinubu.
• This appointment comes on the heels of Senator Kalu’s vocal criticism of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, whom he accused of fueling agitation that led to 30,000 deaths in the South-East. Kalu has also labeled Ohafia Local Government Area—an IPOB “enclave”—further aligning the family with the federal government’s anti-separatist stance.

Implications for Abia North: Mercy or Monopoly?

The Kalu family’s trajectory—from local assemblies to federal commissions and ambassadorships—paints a picture of entrenched power. While Orji Uzor Kalu touts his roles as service to Abia North, critics argue it fosters a patronage system where electoral choices feel predetermined. With family members eyeing the 2027 governorship and beyond, Ndi Abia North must reflect: Does this dynasty deliver progress, or does it leave us beholden to one man’s shadow?

As constituents, our voices—and votes—hold the key. The mercy of one family need not be our fate.