A cleric from Abia State, Rev. Ukpai Kalu Ota, has cautioned Chief David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex to desist from what he described as unwarranted attacks on the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Rev. Ota said Bourdex should channel his energy toward securing his party’s ticket rather than “venting frustration on a sitting senator with a proven record of service.”
According to him, internal competition within Bourdex’s political family and party poses a bigger challenge, citing figures such as Nnamdi Iro Oji Opotoyom, former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, and Emeka Kalu as strong contenders.
The cleric described repeated verbal attacks on Senator Kalu as unnecessary and divisive, warning that such rhetoric could overheat the polity in Abia North. He stressed that politics should be anchored on ideas, programmes, and credibility, not personal attacks.
Rev. Ota highlighted Senator Kalu’s achievements as the basis for his sustained popularity across the senatorial district. He listed the construction and renovation of over 120 classroom blocks across Abia North, distribution of desks and complete textbooks to schools, and education support programmes that have enabled dozens of young people from the zone to study Medicine and Surgery and other professional courses locally and abroad.
He also pointed to the senator’s constituency projects spread across clans and wards, empowerment programmes for youths and women, and his visible presence during community crises and development initiatives as factors that continue to endear him to constituents.
“These are tangible records the people can see and verify. That is why Senator Orji Uzor Kalu enjoys wide acceptance and remains strongly positioned for re-election in 2027,” the cleric said.v
Rev. Ota further called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to caution Bourdex against attacking established leaders in the state, noting that leadership disagreements should be managed with restraint and respect.
“Political ambition is legitimate, but it must be pursued with decorum. Leaders who have served the people should not be targets of abuse because of personal ambition,” he added.
He urged political actors in Abia North to prioritise peace, unity, and development as the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, warning that inflammatory statements could undermine the collective progress of the zone.
