Political and community stakeholders in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State have declared their support for the re-election of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as the former governor reaffirmed his commitment to quality representation and greater service to the people.
The endorsements came at different stops during Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of Umunneochi, with former council officials, community leaders, party chieftains and other stakeholders taking turns to speak in support of his return to the Senate in 2027.
Kalu began his Umunneochi engagements with a courtesy visit to Eze Franklin Ohalaezim, Ezema III of Lokpanta Ancient Kingdom and Chairman of the Umunneochi Traditional Rulers Council.
During the interaction, the traditional ruler recalled some of the dividends of democracy brought to Umunneochi during Kalu’s tenure as Governor of Abia State and acknowledged his longstanding relationship with the people of the area.
Kalu thereafter commenced his tour of the wards, meeting residents and community stakeholders and thanking them for their support over the years.
At Eziama Ugwu Ward, former Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Uchechi, declared his support for Kalu’s re-election and urged the people to stand behind the Senator in 2027.
Victor Etie, Esq., also spoke in support of Kalu’s return to the Senate, while Kalu’s Senior Legislative Aide joined other stakeholders at the gathering in backing his re-election.
The stakeholders cited Kalu’s experience in the National Assembly, his relationship with Umunneochi and projects attracted to the area as reasons for their support.
At Eziama Agbo Ward 7, prominent Umunneochi stakeholder and President-General, Chief George Okafor, also affirmed his support for the Senator.
Chief Boniface Okorie, a former youth leader of Umunneochi, similarly spoke in support of Kalu’s re-election, urging residents to continue supporting the former governor.
The endorsements continued at Obahu/Akawa and Aruikpa Ward, where the President-General of the community, Elder Ihionu John, addressed the gathering and threw his weight behind Kalu’s bid for another term.
Kalu, on his part, recalled the numerous projects and interventions he had attracted to Nneato and other communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area, both during his tenure as Governor of Abia State and as Senator representing Abia North.
He thanked the people for their longstanding support and reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality representation and serving them even better if re-elected in 2027.
“My relationship with the people of Umunneochi did not start today. From my days as Governor, we have worked for our people in Nneato and other communities across Umunneochi. As your Senator, I have continued to attract projects and interventions to our communities,” Kalu said.
“I know there is still more to be done. I sincerely appreciate the support you have given me over the years, and I assure you that when I am re-elected, I will serve you even better and work harder for the people of Umunneochi and the entire Abia North Senatorial District.”
The former governor said the ward-to-ward engagements afforded him an opportunity to present his stewardship directly to the people, listen to their concerns and understand their priorities.
According to Kalu, his representation would remain focused on the interests of the people at the grassroots, assuring residents that their confidence in him would not be taken for granted.
“I have always believed that representation must be about the people. You gave me the mandate to represent you, and I have a responsibility to continue working for you. I will continue to justify that confidence through quality representation,” he said.
Hon. Uche Ebere Stanley was among the prominent political leaders who participated in the Umunneochi tour, alongside other APC chieftains, community stakeholders, women, youths and supporters.
The tour witnessed enthusiastic receptions at the different wards visited, with stakeholders publicly stating their reasons for supporting Kalu’s bid for another term in the Senate.
Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, has represented Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate since 2019.
