By Ahmed Akanbi

Former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has pledged more development projects for Abia North Senatorial District after securing a landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress, APC senatorial primary for the 2027 election.

Kalu, who is also a former Senate Chief Whip and now Chairman of the Committee on South East Development Commission, SEDC, thanked President Bola Tinubu, APC leaders at national and state levels, the OUK Movement, Reality Organization, supporters, and the people of Abia North for the win.

He polled 65,651 votes to defeat Prof. Philip Nto, who got 2,103 votes, in the direct primary held across the district’s 57 wards. The APC Primary Election Committee said 69,441 voters were accredited out of 72,028 registered, with 67,854 votes cast.

In a statement Tuesday, Kalu described the result as “a humbling reaffirmation of the trust and confidence” placed in him.

“Most importantly, I thank my beloved people of Abia North, the good people of Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi. Your love, prayers, support, and trust over the years continue to inspire me,” he said.

Kalu said his focus since 2019 has been giving Abia North a stronger voice and delivering projects, disclosing that he has sponsored over 20 bills on governance, security, education, infrastructure, industrialization, and economic growth, including amendments to the Cabotage Act, Armed Forces Act, Electoral Act, and bills on food banks, tax crimes, and green mobility.

He further explained that his office facilitated more than 70 road projects across the five LGAs, provided free healthcare for mothers, the elderly, and vulnerable groups under National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, and renovated or built over 100 schools while distributing learning materials.

Kalu also cited a completed cashew processing factory in Igbere, ongoing solar panel and keke manufacturing plants, and empowerment programs that have reached thousands of women and youths, adding that erosion and flood control work has also been carried out in affected communities.

“Leadership must always be about building a stronger tomorrow for our people,” he said, pledging to do more if re-elected in 2027.

“Together, we will continue to build a more prosperous, united, and progressive Abia North,” he said, ending with “Abia North, mma-mma nu!”