2027: COSEYL Endorses Kalu’s Re-election Bid, Dismisses Ohafia Stakeholders’ Claims

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), a sociopolitical youth movement in Nigeria’s South-East region, has declared full support for the re-election bid of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu ahead of the 2027 general election, describing him as the “people’s choice” in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.

In a press conference held Tuesday, COSEYL described Senator Kalu’s third-term ambition as “legitimate and rooted in verifiable achievements.” The youth coalition lauded the former Abia State governor’s performance in the Senate, emphasising his impact on grassroots development and community empowerment across the district.

“The good people of Abia North Senatorial District have spoken clearly and boldly. They have endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for a third term in the Senate because of his consistent delivery of democratic dividends,” said Comrade Goodluck Ibem, President General of COSEYL.

The endorsement, jointly signed by Ibem and the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, credited Senator Kalu with redefining legislative representation through people-centered programs and infrastructural projects that cut across education, healthcare, road construction, and youth empowerment.

COSEYL highlighted the lawmaker’s direct engagement with constituents and his reputation for being accessible and responsive to local needs. According to the group, Kalu’s commitment to grassroots politics distinguishes him from other contenders.

“Senator Kalu has redefined legislative representation through his direct interface with the grassroots, economic empowerment programs, road constructions, and interventions across critical sectors,” the group said.

The group also responded to a recent communiqué issued by a faction of individuals under the banner “Ohafia Stakeholders,” who expressed opposition to Kalu’s third-term bid. COSEYL dismissed the communiqué as the product of “disgruntled elements” with no legitimate mandate to speak for the people.

“We are compelled to respond to the ill-advised and self-serving communiqué issued by a group parading themselves as ‘Ohafia Stakeholders.’ Let it be on record that these individuals do not speak for the collective will of the Ohafia people. Their views are not only unpopular but misleading and should be disregarded entirely,” COSEYL stated.

The youth coalition warned against divisive politics and called for unity in Abia North, urging the electorate to remain vigilant and resist attempts to undermine the progress witnessed under Senator Kalu’s watch.

“Their communiqué does not represent the true voice of Ohafia. These people are known for political mischief and have no electoral relevance in their wards, let alone in Ohafia as a whole,” Ibem noted. “The real stakeholders, the market women, traditional rulers, youth groups, artisans, and community leaders are solidly behind Senator Kalu.”

COSEYL also revisited Senator Kalu’s political journey, citing his enduring contributions to the South East both as a former governor and as a sitting lawmaker.

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, has remained a towering figure in the region’s political landscape. Since his election into the Senate in 2019, he has attracted numerous federal projects and introduced people-oriented legislation aimed at addressing the peculiar needs of the South East,” the group stated.