…Passes Confidence Vote in Orji Uzor Kalu
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has criticised the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, over his call for the retirement of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Tuesday, COSEYL President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, said Ogah lacked the political and moral standing to determine who represents Abia North Senatorial District.
COSEYL described Ogah’s call for a new face to represent Abia North, insisting that the decision rests with the entire district comprising Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi local government areas.
“The senatorial mandate belongs to the entire people of Abia North, not to a federal constituency representative. The people of Abia North have made their position clear,” the group said.
The coalition said Senator Kalu, who was Abia State Governor from 1999 to 2007, had provided opportunities for many families and should not be targeted by beneficiaries of his political goodwill.
According to the group, Abia North needs experience and proven performance rather than experimentation, arguing that ranking, influence and national network are critical in the Senate.
“Democracy does not thrive on rotation for its own sake; it thrives on performance, capacity and results. Abia North cannot afford to gamble with its senatorial seat at a time when seniority and influence matter most in the Red Chamber,” the statement said.
COSEYL claimed that Kalu’s interventions in roads, schools and human capital empowerment across the district are visible and verifiable.
It also argued that precedent supports Kalu’s continued stay, noting that the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije from Umunneochi represented Abia North for three terms without calls for his retirement, adding that it is now the turn of Bende Federal Constituency to complete its tenure.
The group accused Hon. Ogah of double standards, alleging that his party retains long-serving senators seeking re-election without similar objections.
COSEYL said it was passing a vote of confidence in Senator Kalu, describing him as the most competent and experienced candidate to continue representing Abia North beyond 2027.
“We affirm that he remains the most competent, most experienced, most visible and most qualified to continue representing Abia North,” the group stated.
It urged Ogah to focus on delivering effective representation to Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Constituency and allow the electorate of Abia North to freely decide their senator in 2027.
“Abia North has decided. It is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu beyond 2027,” the statement added.
