Former Abia State governors, Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji, convened a strategic meeting in Umuahia to mobilize support for a potential challenge to Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 general election. The meeting brought together key political figures who held office in Abia State between 2009 and 2023, with the goal of forming a unified political front.
According to Senator Kalu, the gathering aimed to leverage the collective experience and expertise of former political office holders to shape the state’s future. He proposed expanding the group, known as ‘The Team,’ to include all former officials from the same period, emphasizing that their contributions to the state’s development should not be overlooked.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the senate, highlighted the significant role ‘The Team’ played in governing the state during their tenure. He dismissed suggestions that previous administrations were ineffective, stressing that governance is a continuous process. “Leadership is a relay,” he noted, citing the transfer of power from one administration to the next. “No single individual can claim we achieved nothing. If we did nothing, where would our people be today?”
The group’s objective, Kalu stated, is to bring about political change in Abia State in 2027. The platform, which operates across party lines, remains open to allies from various political affiliations. By forming a united front, the former governors aim to increase their chances of seizing power from the current administration.
The meeting in Umuahia marks a significant development in Abia State’s political landscape, as key stakeholders position themselves for the upcoming election. With the 2027 general election approaching, the state’s political actors are gearing up for a potentially intense contest. As the political climate continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the alliance between Kalu and Orji will impact the state’s governance and the outcome of the election.