By Isaac Mission
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Uchendu, and public affairs commentator Ola Kalu have expressed support for the return of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the Senate.
The two supporters pointed to what they described as the senator’s experience in governance, legislative contributions and constituency interventions across Abia North Senatorial District.
Uchendu disclosed his position after meeting with Kalu in London on Sunday. He described the former Abia governor as a politician with extensive experience in public administration and leadership.
According to him, the 2027 electoral contest should be determined by candidates’ records, competence, character and capacity to deliver, rather than political rhetoric or personal interests.
Uchendu said voters should critically assess the achievements and capabilities of those seeking elective positions before deciding who deserves their support.
He maintained that elections should focus on issues such as development, accountability, effective representation and the welfare of the people.
“Leadership is a serious responsibility,” Uchendu stated, stressing that constituents deserve representatives who understand their responsibilities and are ready to serve.
Meanwhile, Ola Kalu, speaking during a radio programme in Abia on Monday, also commended Senator Orji Kalu’s performance in representing Abia North.
He argued that effective legislative representation should not be restricted to lawmaking and oversight, but should also involve attracting projects and opportunities capable of improving the lives of constituents.
Ola Kalu highlighted several projects he attributed to the senator, including road construction in Ndi Orieke and the road linking the Army checkpoint at Isiugwu Junction to Isugwu Village.
He also mentioned the rehabilitation of classroom blocks in Okagwe, Elu, Ebem and Akanu communities in Ohafia Local Government Area, alongside classroom renovation and borehole projects in parts of Bende, Isuikwuato and Arochukwu local government areas.
On education, he cited scholarship assistance provided to 150 students studying at tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
He further claimed that each of the 67 communities in Abia North had benefited from at least one form of constituency intervention associated with Senator Kalu.
Beyond infrastructure, supporters of the senator pointed to his empowerment programmes, particularly initiatives targeted at young people. These, they said, include vocational equipment, livelihood support and efforts to facilitate employment opportunities for constituents in federal institutions.
They also highlighted sponsorship opportunities for young people to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes abroad, international conferences and other capacity-building initiatives.
Supporters described the interventions as part of a broader constituency-development strategy combining physical infrastructure with education, skills development, employment and youth empowerment.
Senator Kalu has also received recognition from professional bodies for his constituency work. He has reportedly been named Best Senator in Constituency Development twice by the Senate Press Corps, while the Nigerian Union of Journalists has similarly recognised his contributions to constituency development.
Kalu, who served as governor of Abia State before entering the Senate, was first elected to represent Abia North in 2019. He is seeking another term under the platform of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
