Kalu Gets Support of Youth Leaders, Battles Interest Groups for Third Term Bid

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Youth leaders in the Southeast zone have weighed in on the controversy generated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s expressed bid to return to the Senate come 2027, saying he deserves more years of representation.

Kanu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District and currently serving his second term in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly has pitted himself against stakeholders of his constituency who accuse him of trying to negate the rotation principle in Abia North

But youth leaders under the umbrella of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders(COSEYL) have dismissed opposition against Kalu’s bid for third term and called for end to “unwarranted attacks from certain quarters”.

“It is evident that these attacks are fueled by one underlying truth: Senator Kalu is the face of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is poised to lead the party to victory in the upcoming 2027 elections,” the group said.

COSEYL expressed its backing for Kalu in a statement signed by the duo of Comrade Goodluck Ibem, President General, and Comrade Okey Nwaoru, Publicity Secretary. The group argued that Kalu’s representation of Abia North in the Senate ranks as the best and most impactful since the present democratic dispensation in 1999.

The group called for continuity, describing the former Abia State Governor as “a catalyst for transformation in Abia North”, adding that he should be supported to continue representing Abia North.

COSEYL, which described itself as “the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone” stated that it “stands firmly behind Senator Orji Uzor Kalu” in the battle with opponents.

“Senator Kalu is a transformative leader whose recent contributions have significantly elevated the standard of representation in Abia North.

“His dedication to public service, development initiatives, and unwavering commitment to the APC have positioned him as a beacon of hope for our people,” the group said.

According to COSEYL, “the people of Abia North are particularly grateful for the impactful leadership of Senator Kalu as he gears up for the 2027 elections with an even greater sense of purpose and preparedness than in 2023”.

It pointed out that the attacks on Kanu “are merely desperate attempts to undermine a proven leader. They will not deter Senator Kalu from his commitment to serving the people of Abia North and advancing the ideals of the APC”.

The youth leaders noted that Kanu’s “visionary projects and proactive approach have transformed the socio-economic landscape of his senatorial district (hence) “we confidently predict an overwhelming 95 support for the APC in the forthcoming elections”.

“We proudly affirm that  Senator Kalu stands out as the best performing senator from the zone since the return of democracy in 1999. His track record of quality representation, impactful projects, legislative excellence, and direct empowerment of constituents is unmatched”.

The group further extolled Kanu’s pragmatic politics, saying that his passion for service, accessibility to the people, and unwavering dedication to the progress of our zone has set a new standard for leadership” and endeared him to his constituents.

COSEYL, therefore, urged all youth and citizens in Abia North “to stand united in their support for Senator Kalu in his quest to deliver more for our people and to further elevate the APC’s reputation”.

“Abia North deserves continued progress, and this can only be guaranteed through the continuity of proven, result-oriented leadership,” the group said.