A senior leader of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Edward Kalu Okocha, has described Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as a strong contender for the Senate Presidency, warning against political moves that could disrupt the zone’s steady progress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okocha, speaking from Ameke Abiriba on Sunday, cautioned former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, to reconsider any ambition to contest the Abia North Senatorial seat, following his recent defection to the Labour Party.
He acknowledged the defection as a bold move but insisted that it must not come at the expense of Abia North’s current political stability and representation.
He emphasized that Senator Kalu has firmly established himself as the rightful representative of Abia North, citing his performance in the National Assembly, his track record of constituency projects, and his national influence. According to him, Kalu’s legislative experience and seniority place him in a strong position for principal offices in the Senate, including the Senate Presidency—an outcome he said would be a “game-changer” for the zone.
Okocha also reflected on past political alliances, noting that he personally backed Oko Chukwu’s third-term bid for the Abia State House of Assembly in 2010, a move that helped pave the way for Oko Chukwu’s eventual rise to deputy governor and his contributions to regional projects like the skill acquisition centre in Abiriba. However, he warned that repeating similar political gambits now could backfire and threaten the collective gains achieved under Kalu’s leadership.
He urged political actors in the zone to prioritize continuity by supporting Senator Kalu’s re-election bid in 2027, stressing that doing so would unlock more opportunities and secure a stronger voice for Abia North on the national stage.
While congratulating Oko Chukwu on his new political affiliation, Okocha appealed to him to place the interest of the zone above personal ambition and join efforts to retain Kalu in the Senate. He reiterated that Kalu’s candidacy is not only crucial for sustained development but also for positioning Abia North for greater influence within the nation’s political hierarchy.
