Mascot Uzor Kalu Declares for 2027 Abia Governorship Race

Mascot Uzor Kalu declared his intention to contest the 2027 Abia governorship election.
He criticised Governor Alex Otti’s performance, saying Abia deserves better leadership.
Kalu pledged to unify the state and align his plans with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mascot Uzor Kalu, the younger brother of former Abia State governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Abia governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the declaration follows his recent return to the APC from the Action Peoples Party (APP), the platform on which he contested the 2023 governorship election.

Speaking to a large crowd of supporters in Umuahia over the weekend, Kalu said his ambition was driven by a vision to “unify Abia and build a prosperous state where opportunities abound for everyone, irrespective of party affiliation or social status.”

The former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Theodore Orji criticised the incumbent Governor, Alex Otti, for what he described as unfulfilled campaign promises.

“I have allowed this administration to govern without criticism for over two years. While some progress has been made, it falls far short of the lofty promises made during the 2023 campaigns. Abia and Abians deserve more, especially at the grassroots,” he stated.

Kalu said he was the first to concede defeat and congratulate Otti after the 2023 election but decided to recontest due to what he called “slow development” in the state.

He clarified that his 2027 ambition was not influenced by his elder brother’s political standing. “I am not relying on my brother’s influence. I will secure the party ticket based on my record and service,” he said.

The APC chieftain promised to align his policies with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that Abia would experience balanced economic growth.

“Together, we will spread the dividends of good governance to the grassroots, empower our people, and build a stronger economy,” he added.

Kalu also accused the Labour Party-led government of mismanaging local government funds, saying councils lacked real financial autonomy. He pledged to combine “stomach infrastructure” with meaningful physical development projects if elected.

“I’m young and vibrant. I know what this state needs, and I will not disappoint the people,” he said, urging Abians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of 2027 to ensure “every vote counts.”