As different interests keep emerging in efforts to occupy various elective political offices, youth groups in Abia on Monday (11/5/26) marched through the capital city, Umuahia, demanding that former Governor of the state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu jettison seeking elective political office to make way for younger ones.
The youths who marched through streets of the capital city before anchoring at the APC Secretariat along the busy Azikiwe street, delivered their protest letter to President Bola Tinubu through the state chairman.
In the letter, endorsed by Dr Uchenna Kalu Akpi, Mr Kingsley Olugu and Bro Vitals Igbokwe, the youths who came under the umbrella of Old Bende Political Forum , Abia Youths Christian Assembly and Abia North Young Professionals for Tinubu’s Mandate, the youth groups expressed dissatisfaction with the representation of Senator Kalu.
They unanimously endorsed Kalu ‘s challenger for the Abia North Senate seat, Dr Phillips Nto, insisting that he would make a better senator than the former governor.
” Because we are not a conquered people, and because we believe in the peaceful exercise of our democrstic rights, we respectfully appeal to you sir, as the leader of our great party to intervene and ensure that Orji Uzor Kalu is not given the senatorial ticket for a third term”, they wrote.
While claiming that Senator Kalu had not fairly treated his constituents, the youths further alleged the former Governor had boasted that the Abia North Senate seat is his for keeps and enjoined the party to ensure that other areas of Abia North are given opportunity to occupy the position.
The youth wondered why Kalu would want to return to the Senate for a third term while his younger brother is also vying for the governorship position the platform of the same APC.
They requested the president to liberate them from the senator’s political stranglehold by ensuring that Dr. Phillips Nto is given the party ticket for the senatorial election to represent Abia North.
While describing Dr. Nto as one of them who understands their problems, they affirmed that given his pedigree as a cerebral academic, astute administrator, and a grassroot man, he was the best man for the job.
Addressing the protesters, the APC chairman in the state, Chief Chijioke Chukwu pledged to deliver their letter to the appropriate quarter.
Chief Chukwu who was represented by the State publicity secretary, Chief Uche Aguoru, also announced that the APC in the state would adopt direct primary for the selection of her candidates and promised all aspirants a level playing field and urged them to remain peaceful and mobilise for their preferred aspirant.
