Abia North 2027: All Facts Newspaper Boss Cautions Senator Kalu Against 3rd Term Ambition, Cites Risk to APC Ticket | READ FULL

Umuahia, Abia State - The Publisher of All Facts Newspaper and Public Affairs Analyst, Emenike Iroegbu, has stirred political controversy in Abia North by insisting that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) should step aside and not seek a third term in the Senate.

Speaking during a live media interaction on Masters FM 105.9 Uturu on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Iroegbu maintained that the former Abia State Governor has already made his mark in leadership and should now leave the stage "when the ovation is loudest.ÔÇØ

According to him, Senator Kalu's political career is well-decorated, having served eight years as Governor of Abia State and by 2027 would have completed eight years as Senator representing Abia North, amounting to 16 years in top elective offices. He argued that Kalu has also played the role of kingmaker during periods he was not in office, hence it was time for Abia North to experience a "fresh breath of leadership.ÔÇØ

"Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has done his bit. He was Governor for eight years, by 2027 he would have been Senator for another eight years. At this point, he should step aside and allow fresh leadership to emerge in Abia North while he returns fully to his role as a political kingmaker,ÔÇØ Iroegbu stated.

He criticized the Senator for what he described as a drift away from pressing issues affecting Abia North, citing lingering security challenges, agriculture decline, and other constituency matters that have not received adequate representation at the Senate.

On the rotation principle, Iroegbu traced the senatorial seat's history:

Gen. Ike Nwachukwu from Isuikwuato LGA (1 term)

Late Sen. Uche Chukwumerije from Umunneochi LGA (2 terms)

Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa from Arochukwu LGA (1 term)

Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu from Bende LGA (now completing 2 terms by 2027)

He stressed that Ohafia LGA is yet to produce a senator and should be given a fair opportunity. However, he cautioned that political positions are not gifts but contested for, urging Ohafia to "come out strongÔÇØ if it desires the slot.

When asked about rumoured aspirants, including Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Iroegbu dismissed a circulating letter purportedly asking him not to contest, describing it as baseless. He noted that Ude Oko Chukwu, along with other heavyweights like Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex (Isuikwuato), a seasoned technocrat, and Chief Emeka Kalu (Bende), all reserve the right to vie for the seat.

On claims from Kalu's camp that he should be supported because he might emerge as Senate President, Iroegbu strongly disagreed, warning that such narrative was not only misleading but could backfire.

"If this idea that OUK wants to displace Senator Godswill Akpabio reaches the Senate leadership, it may put his APC ticket in jeopardy. APC will not tolerate any attempt to create disunity at the top,ÔÇØ he warned.

In his conclusion, Iroegbu advised Senator Kalu to "honorably step asideÔÇØ and allow new leadership to thrive in Abia North, adding that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 elections would be resisted by the people.

"Abia North will be liberated just as Abia State was in 2023. The people are wiser now, they know the rigging patterns, and they will resist any attempt to subvert their will,ÔÇØ Iroegbu concluded.

The statement has already sparked reactions across Abia North, rekindling debates over zoning, fresh leadership, and the political future of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.