Tension flared in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Tuesday as residents staged a protest against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North.
Demonstrators accused him of neglecting the community and failing to deliver any meaningful projects.
Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “OUK, leave us alone,” “Enough is enough,” and “Show us your senatorial projects in Ohafia LGA.”
They also sang provocative chants, underscoring their anger at the senator’s renewed political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The demonstration followed a declaration by the Ohafia Youth Association (OYA), which had earlier branded Kalu persona non grata.
The group accused him of labeling Ohafia an “IPOB zone” during the 2023 Abia North senatorial election.
Youth leaders said the designation triggered heavy security presence, voter intimidation, and mass disenfranchisement.
Public Relations Officer Chika Nnate told journalists at Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia that the label discouraged thousands of voters.
“The biggest ward in Abia North, Isiama Ward, did not record a single vote, yet results were announced in places where it favoured him,” Nnate claimed. He further alleged that more than 150,000 residents were unable to vote due to security concerns.
Development Marginalization
Beyond electoral grievances, the youth association accused Kalu of neglecting Ohafia in terms of development.
“We do not have a single visible project from Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in the whole of Ohafia, no road up to one kilometre, no empowerment, no meaningful support,” Nnate said.
The group insisted that Kalu’s record does not reflect the needs of the community, adding that his divide‑and‑rule tactics had ended.
Following the persona non grata declaration, Kalu petitioned the youth association to the Zone 9 Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
Members of the group honored invitations to the police headquarters twice, but tensions escalated when they returned in larger numbers, accompanied by elders.
A scheduled meeting between Kalu and youth leaders did not hold, as the senator was absent. Police authorities advised the protesters to return to Ohafia, promising to set a new date.
The youths, however, refused, alleging they were teargassed during their last visit. They insisted that any future dialogue must take place in Ohafia, not Umuahia.
Senator’s Response
Kalu’s camp rejected the allegations, describing the protest as the action of a narrow interest group.
A statement from his team said his record of representation, constituency engagement, and legislative advocacy continues to resonate across Abia North.
The camp accused opponents of politicizing ethnic and security issues to undermine the senator’s credibility.
The standoff highlights deep divisions in Abia North politics, raising questions about voter trust, representation, and the future of political engagement in Ohafia.
Senator Kalu had accused the governor of initiating no new projects in Abia North, and that all he was doing was “repainting” his old, completed projects while he was in office between 1999-2007.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
I don’t think if there’s any chance to beat otti in 2027 governorships election, due to otti has won the hearts of Abis people.