Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has rejected threats by a youth group in Abia State declaring him unwelcome in Ohafia, describing the claims as false and politically motivated as early alignments ahead of the 2027 general election begin to unfold.
In a statement issued by his Media and Public Affairs Team, the former Abia State governor maintained that he continues to enjoy strong grassroots backing across the five local government areas of Abia North Senatorial District, including Ohafia.
He accused unnamed political interests of sponsoring misinformation aimed at weakening his influence in the area.
The statement characterised the allegations as misleading and insisted that his years of representation, constituency engagement and advocacy at the national level have earned him enduring support among constituents.
According to the statement, Kalu’s leadership has remained visible across Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi, where constituents have continued to express confidence in his performance.
The senator’s reaction followed renewed agitation by the Ohafia Youth Association, which reaffirmed its earlier declaration that he remains persona non grata in the community over events linked to the 2023 general election.
Led by its chairman, Obasi Kalu Obasi, and secretary, Onyekachi Uduma, the group alleged that the senator labelled Ohafia an Indigenous People of Biafra stronghold during the last polls, a development they claimed led to heavy security presence, voter intimidation and disenfranchisement.
Speaking at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia after being invited over a petition reportedly filed by the senator alleging cyberbullying, the association’s spokesperson, Chika Nnate, said youths from several communities attended in solidarity.
He alleged that the classification of Ohafia as an IPOB zone discouraged many eligible voters from participating in the election and claimed thousands were unable to cast their ballots.
The group also accused the senator of neglecting development in Ohafia, citing the absence of visible constituency projects, road construction and youth empowerment programmes.
During their protest, members displayed placards demanding accountability and questioning the senator’s renewed engagement with the community as the 2027 elections draw closer.
However, Kalu’s camp insisted that the protest reflected the position of a small group rather than the broader sentiment of the district, stressing that his legislative record and constituency outreach remain widely acknowledged.
