2027: Ex-Ebonyi Commissioner Endorses Orji Kalu for Senate Return

Former Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Abia Onyike, has thrown his weight behind the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC–Abia North) ahead of the 2027 general elections, praising his record in the National Assembly and ongoing contributions to national development.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki, Onyike—who is also a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)—described Kalu as a seasoned lawmaker whose experience and influence remain vital to the South-East.

“Igbo people still need the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu in the Senate chambers,” Onyike said. “He does not engage in populist rhetorics or empty sloganeering. He’s very close to President Bola Tinubu and has used that relationship to drive development initiatives.”

Onyike pointed to Kalu’s efforts in pushing the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) bill, which secured a N500 billion budget for infrastructure in the region, and commended his role in bringing a proposed Federal University to Item, Abia State.

He also highlighted Kalu’s role in media development. “He is one of the few Igbos with a strong presence in the newspaper industry, employing over 2,000 journalists through platforms like Daily Sun and New Telegraph,” Onyike said, describing media ownership as a key asset in national politics.

“Kalu has demonstrated legislative competence and a clear commitment to service delivery. He deserves another term in the Senate come 2027,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, a prominent Abakaliki community leader, Chief Bekee Orji, described Kalu as “a man of influence” whose voice in the Senate remains critical for strong representation and sustained development.