Political tension is steadily rising in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State following a firm declaration by youths of the area that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is no longer welcome in the community as political activities towards the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Operating under the umbrella of the Ohafia Youth Association (OYA), the youths accused the Abia North senator and former governor of Abia State of publicly portraying Ohafia as an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stronghold during the 2023 general elections—an action they insist had grave consequences for the community.

According to the association, the IPOB tag allegedly linked to Ohafia created an atmosphere of fear, triggered intense security deployment, and ultimately discouraged voter participation during the last election. The youths maintain that the situation led to large-scale disenfranchisement and lasting political harm to the area.

Leaders of the group, including OYA Chairman, Obasi Kalu Obasi, and Secretary, Onyekachi Uduma, stated that based on these developments, the association has resolved that Senator Kalu should not be allowed to campaign, camp, or conduct political mobilisation in Ohafia ahead of 2027.

The issue resurfaced publicly on Wednesday in Umuahia when members of the Ohafia Youth Association converged at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in solidarity with their leaders. The visit followed what the group described as a cyberbullying petition reportedly filed against them by the senator.

Speaking to journalists after honouring the police invitation, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Chika Nnate, said the youths appeared before the police to defend their collective position and to restate the grievances of the Ohafia people.

Mr Nnate alleged that the IPOB narrative attributed to Senator Kalu in 2023 resulted in voter suppression across the local government area. He claimed that more than 150,000 registered voters in Ohafia were unable to vote, adding that Isiama Ward, reportedly the largest ward in Abia North Senatorial District, recorded zero votes on election day.

The youths further alleged that despite the electoral shutdown experienced in Ohafia, election results were later announced in other areas that favoured the senator, a development they described as unjust and deeply provocative.

Expressing frustration, the association questioned what they described as the senator’s sudden interest in reconnecting with Ohafia, a community they believe was politically stigmatised and abandoned during a critical democratic exercise.

They also accused Senator Kalu of neglecting Ohafia throughout his tenure, insisting that the area lacks visible senatorial constituency projects, youth empowerment initiatives, road infrastructure, or economic interventions traceable to his representation.

According to the group, the only items allegedly distributed in the area were wheelbarrows, which they described as symbolic, demeaning, and grossly inadequate to address the developmental needs of the community.

As a result, the youths say a unanimous decision has been reached across Ohafia to oppose Senator Kalu’s presence and political activities in the area as the 2027 elections approach.

During the peaceful protest, members of the association displayed placards bearing messages such as:
“OUK Leave Us Alone,”
“Enough Is Enough, Ohafia Stands United,”
“OUK Stay Away From Ohafia,”
“Show Us Your Senatorial Projects In Ohafia,” and
“Divide and Rule Has Failed in Ohafia.”

The unfolding situation points to an emerging political flashpoint in Abia North, with Ohafia youths insisting they will continue to defend their community’s political dignity, voting rights, and collective voice in the run-up to the next general elections.

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Photo and video credit: All Facts Newspaper