Community leaders and political stakeholders in Mbala and Achara, Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, have endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for re-election in 2027, citing his performance in constituency projects and contributions to grassroots development. They spoke during Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of Umunneochi, stressing that political choices should be guided by performance rather than emotion or sentiment.
ESV Olekanma said other senatorial zones envied Abia North because of the development projects and quality representation attracted to the district under Kalu and urged residents to remain focused on sustaining development and attracting more federal projects instead of allowing political considerations to undermine their interests. At Mbala, Dr. Udegbulam Stanley, Secretary of the community, who represented the President-General, commended Kalu’s contributions to Umunneochi and other parts of Abia North, and appealed to Kalu to provide laptops, computers and other digital equipment, for the community secretariat to improve administration and coordinate its activities.
At Achara, the community’s President-General, Comrade Umealo Ekperebuike, shared how Kalu’s administration had influenced his life. Ekperebuike recalled benefiting from an employment waiver during Kalu’s tenure as governor of Abia State, which enabled him to secure a local government job, achieve financial stability and sponsor himself through university. Ekperebuike also pledged the support of Achara residents for Kalu’s re-election, expressing confidence in his ability to respond to their development needs.
Responding, the Abia North Senator Orji Kalu said the ward-to-ward tour was intended to promote direct engagement with constituents and give residents the opportunity to present their concerns and thanked the community leaders, elders, women and youths for their warm reception and continued support. The former governor promised to consider the requests and work with relevant federal agencies to attract more projects and opportunities to Abia North even as he reaffirmed his commitment to rural development, education and infrastructure, recalling the free education policy and rural road projects implemented during his tenure as governor.
Kalu pledged to provide stronger representation and do more for the people if re-elected in 2027.
