Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A security expert and contract specialist with the United States Department of Defense, Mazi Ugochukwu Obi, has faulted Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s claim that Abia State would be shortchanged if he fails to return to the Senate in 2027.
Senator Kalu, a two-term lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, made the remark while addressing journalists at his Igbere country home, insisting that his performance in the Senate deserved a return ticket.
However, reacting swiftly, Mazi Obi described the senator’s claim as “delusional,” insisting that Kalu’s exit from the Senate would instead be celebrated by the people of Abia North, whom he accused the senator of denying quality representation.
According to him, “Contrary to Senator Kalu’s delusion, his exit from the Senate will be celebrated by Abia North people whom he has denied quality representation.”
Obi challenged the former Abia State governor to publish his legislative scorecards for public and media verification, accusing him of making bogus performance claims.
The security expert also lambasted Senator Kalu for allegedly threatening to unseat Governor Alex Otti and deliver Abia State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
A staunch supporter of Governor Otti in Umunneochi Local Government Area, Obi accused Kalu of overrating himself, insisting that the former governor lacks the political capacity to stop Otti’s re-election bid.
Obi, a key stakeholder in Abia Arise, Governor Otti’s major political structure, said any attempt to derail the governor’s second-term bid would be vigorously resisted by Abians who are enjoying what he described as “good governance.”
He declared that “the era of winning elections through propaganda is gone,” adding that “Abians are now politically awakened.”
Accusing Senator Kalu of promoting Northern interests above Igbo interests, Obi said the former Senate Chief Whip had failed to deliver tangible benefits to Abia North to justify another term.
“Orji Uzor Kalu knows he has not been there for Abia North. Umunneochi and Abia North are yet to feel his impact. His attacks on Governor Otti are borne out of selfish interests. He spoke for himself, not for Abia North.
“During his time as governor, Abia made no meaningful progress. His alliance with the North will not save him in 2027.
“Abia North will not miss him at the Senate because he has never represented our interests but those of himself and his family. We are set to retire him in 2027.”
Obi also reminded Kalu of his opposition to electronic transmission of election results during debates on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“He claimed Abia North lacked network coverage, yet electronic money transfers are carried out in every village. That excuse was lame.”
Advising the senator to abandon his third-term ambition, Obi warned that Kalu risks “a chilling humiliation at the polls.”
“The Abia North senatorial seat is not his retirement benefit. After eight uninspiring years as governor, he should not expect a life seat in the Senate.”
He further accused Kalu of diminishing the stature of Abia North in the Senate, noting that the district was previously represented by influential lawmakers such as Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), Senator Uche Chukwumerije, and Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
“Since Kalu went to the Senate, Abia North has become voiceless, except for his occasional unguarded and controversial remarks.”
Obi also questioned Senator Kalu’s sudden show of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recalling that Kalu had openly supported a Northern presidency in 2023.
“In 2023, Kalu offered to be a ‘sweeper in Aso Rock’ if Senator Ahmed Lawan became president. President Tinubu should be circumspect. A man who opposed his ambition can easily betray trust.”
Dismissal of Kalu’s claim that Governor Otti would be a one-term governor, Obi described Otti’s second term as “non-negotiable.”
“Otti won overwhelmingly in 2023 based on promises, but 2027 will be a walkover because of his undeniable performance.”
He warned political actors plotting against Otti’s re-election to desist from “arrogating powers they do not possess,” stressing that only Abia voters would decide the governor’s fate.
Obi urged Governor Otti to remain focused on governance and ignore “self-overrated power hawks,” assuring him that his legacies would speak for him.
“Abians will resist any attempt to return the state to Egypt or mortgage their future.”
Responding to Senator Kalu’s claim that he had never rigged elections, Obi said his opposition to electronic transmission of results contradicted such assertions.
On calls for him to contest the Umunneochi State House of Assembly, Obi said his current focus remains supporting Governor Otti’s reform agenda, adding that he would make his political intentions known at a later date.
“I will not hesitate to serve my people in any capacity, but my priority is ending the old order that stunted Abia’s growth.”
