Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed threats by a youth group in Abia State declaring him unwelcome in Ohafia Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, politically motivated, and unrepresentative of the broader Abia North constituency.
The senator’s reaction comes amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, as alignments begin to form across the state.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Media and Public Affairs Team, Kalu said he continues to enjoy strong grassroots support across all five local government areas of Abia North Senatorial District, including Ohafia. He accused unnamed political opponents of sponsoring misinformation to undermine his political influence.
The statement described the allegations as “misleading and deliberately crafted to deceive the public,” insisting that the senator’s acceptance and political relevance across Abia North remain intact.
“From Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato, to Umunneochi, there is overwhelming confidence in Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s leadership — built on years of visible service, principled representation, and courageous advocacy,” the statement said.
According to the senator’s camp, Kalu has consistently championed Igbo interests at the national level, while delivering development initiatives and sustained constituency engagement that have strengthened his political base.
“Truth will always outlive propaganda, and leadership rooted in service will continue to command enduring support across Abia North,” the statement added.
Ohafia Youth Association Restates Opposition
Kalu’s response followed renewed agitation by members of the Ohafia Youth Association, who on Wednesday reiterated their stance that the senator remains persona non grata in the community over events surrounding the 2023 general election.
Led by chairman Obasi Kalu Obasi and secretary Onyekachi Uduma, the group accused the senator of allegedly portraying Ohafia as an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stronghold during the last election. They claimed the label resulted in heavy security deployment, voter intimidation, and widespread disenfranchisement.
Speaking to journalists at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia, where the group was invited following a petition by the senator accusing them of cyberbullying, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Chika Nnate, said youths from different Ohafia communities accompanied their leaders in solidarity.
Nnate alleged that the IPOB designation discouraged thousands of eligible voters, claiming that over 150,000 residents were unable to vote during the election.
“Isiama Ward, the biggest ward in Abia North, did not record a single vote, yet results were announced in places where it favoured him,” he said.
Youths Question Kalu’s 2027 Political Ambition
The youth group questioned Senator Kalu’s renewed political engagement with Ohafia as the 2027 elections approach, accusing him of abandoning the community outside election periods.
“You cannot label us an IPOB zone and then return to campaign in our land,” Nnate said.
Beyond electoral grievances, the group accused the senator of failing to attract constituency projects to Ohafia, alleging the absence of road construction, youth empowerment programmes, or visible development initiatives.
“There is no single visible project by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in the whole of Ohafia — no road up to one kilometre, no empowerment, no meaningful support,” Nnate claimed.
During their protest, the youths displayed placards reading: “OUK, leave us alone,” “Enough is enough,” “Ohafia stands united,” and “Show us your senatorial projects in Ohafia LGA.”
Kalu Camp Rejects Allegations
However, Kalu’s media team rejected the accusations in their entirety, insisting that the protest reflected the interests of a small faction, not the collective will of Ohafia or Abia North residents.
The statement maintained that Senator Kalu’s legislative record, constituency outreach, and political engagement continue to resonate across the district, despite what it described as attempts to politicise ethnic and security concerns.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political observers say the standoff highlights early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Abia North emerging as a strategic battleground as incumbents and challengers test their grassroots influence.
As tensions escalate, analysts note that both sides are now competing not only for political access to Ohafia but also for control of the narrative around legitimacy, representation, and accountability that will define the next election cycle.
