Chief Mrs. Nnenna Obewu-Onwuka cites infrastructure projects, empowerment programmes and grassroots engagement as reasons for backing the senator’s second-term bid.
An Abia State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President of the Agunwanyi Odo Foundation, Chief Mrs. Nnenna Obewu-Onwuka, has endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for re-election in 2027, citing his record in infrastructure development, empowerment initiatives and grassroots representation.
Obewu-Onwuka, an indigene of Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, announced her support in a statement following the completion of Kalu’s ward-to-ward tour of Ohafia, particularly his visit to Abiriba.
According to her, the large turnout of residents during the senator’s engagements reflected the appreciation of community members for what she described as his contributions to the development of Abia North Senatorial District.
She said the reception was particularly noticeable during Kalu’s visits to the palaces of the Enachioken of Abiriba, His Royal Majesty Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, and Eze Nwami, Chief Mrs. Ure Okocha K. Uba, as well as his engagements across the community’s wards.
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“Abiriba stood still. From the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, Enachioken of Abiriba, and Eze Nwami, Chief Mrs. Ure Okocha K. Uba, to all our wards, our people came out en masse to receive a beloved son of Abiriba,” she said.
Obewu-Onwuka Highlights Road Projects
The APC chieftain commended Kalu for what she described as impactful representation since his election to the Senate in 2019, pointing to infrastructure projects and empowerment programmes across Abia North as evidence of his interventions.
She specifically highlighted the Abiriba ring roads and rural road projects in Abia Ohafia, Akanu, Okamu, Ohafor, Amangwu and Isiugwu, among other communities.
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According to Obewu-Onwuka, the road projects have helped improve access to rural communities, ease transportation challenges and support economic activities.
“Our people said it themselves: He is the only lawmaker whose impact we have felt,” she stated.
She maintained that improved road connectivity was important to rural development, particularly for communities whose residents depend on transportation networks to access markets, conduct business and move agricultural produce.
Empowerment Programmes for Women and Youths
Beyond infrastructure, Obewu-Onwuka praised Kalu’s reported empowerment initiatives, which she said included business grants, agricultural support, the distribution of educational materials and skills acquisition programmes targeting women and youths.
She said the interventions had provided economic opportunities and assistance to households across the senatorial district.
The APC chieftain noted that initiatives focused on small businesses, agriculture and vocational skills could help residents strengthen their livelihoods and improve their economic prospects.
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Her comments placed particular emphasis on the importance of combining infrastructure development with programmes that support individuals, families and small-scale enterprises.
Ward-to-Ward Tour Provides Opportunity for Engagement
Obewu-Onwuka also highlighted Kalu’s direct engagement with constituents, saying his ward-to-ward tour offered residents an opportunity to assess his representation, communicate their concerns and request further development projects.
She described the engagements as an avenue for interaction between the senator and community members, including traditional rulers, women, youths and other local stakeholders.
According to her, the senator’s accessibility and willingness to engage residents were among the factors informing her decision to support his re-election bid.
The tour formed part of Kalu’s political engagements across Ohafia Local Government Area ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Such constituency visits provide opportunities for elected representatives to meet residents, discuss development priorities and hear demands for improved public services. They also give constituents an opportunity to raise questions about ongoing projects and the delivery of previous commitments.
2027 Re-election Bid
Reaffirming her position, Obewu-Onwuka said her endorsement was based on what she described as Kalu’s contributions to infrastructure, empowerment and grassroots representation in Abia North.
Her declaration adds to the political discussions surrounding the senator’s anticipated bid for another term in the National Assembly in 2027.
However, the endorsement represents the position of Obewu-Onwuka, and the extent to which the senator’s projects and interventions have met residents’ expectations remains a matter for constituents to assess.
As political activities gather pace ahead of the next general elections, infrastructure delivery, economic empowerment, accessibility and constituency representation are likely to remain important issues in discussions about the future of Abia North Senatorial District.
The 2027 election will provide voters with an opportunity to assess candidates’ records, proposals and commitments before making their choices.
