Orji-Uzor-Kalu
Bolatito Mercy
A Baptist cleric, Reverend Samson Okoro Elekwa, has urged the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidates contesting the Abia North senatorial seat in the 2027 election to withdraw from the race and support the incumbent Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Elekwa made the call while speaking with journalists, citing what he described as Kalu’s record of representation and development across the Abia North Senatorial District.
The cleric specifically appealed to the LP candidate, David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, and the NDC candidate, Uko Nkole, to put the interests of the senatorial district above their individual political ambitions.
According to Elekwa, Kalu’s interventions in road infrastructure, education and human capital development have contributed to the development of communities across the district.
He cited road projects in Ndi Orieke in Ohafia Local Government Area and Amannagwu in Arochukwu Local Government Area, alongside other projects which he said had benefited communities across Abia North.
Elekwa also pointed to investments associated with Kalu in Abia State, including a university project, hostels and factories, saying such initiatives could create employment and economic opportunities for young people.
The cleric argued that the senator’s record should be the major consideration in deciding whether he should continue representing the district.
He also urged voters to assess candidates based on their records and tangible contributions rather than political or sectional sentiments.
“My appeal to Bourdex and Nkole is simple: step down and support Orji Uzor Kalu. Abia North should consolidate on the development already taking place rather than allow political differences to distract us from what is working,” Elekwa said.
The cleric maintained that the South-East needed political leaders who could combine legislative influence with grassroots representation and development.
The 2027 Abia North senatorial contest is expected to attract significant political interest as candidates from different parties position themselves ahead of the general elections.
