Hon. Uko Nkole, a former member of the House of Representatives for Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, has expressed his intention to contest for the Abia North senatorial seat in the 2027 elections. Nkole, who is the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has openly challenged the incumbent senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, questioning his qualification and suitability for the position. Nkole believes that Kalu, with his extensive experience as a governor and presidential candidate, should aim for the presidency rather than returning to the senate.
Nkole's call for Kalu to step down is based on his assertion that it is time for the youths to occupy leadership positions. He argues that Kalu, with all due respect, has had his fair share of governance experience, having served as governor from 1999 to 2007 and as a presidential candidate under the defunct Progressive People's Alliance (PPA). Nkole believes that Kalu's ambition should be focused on the presidency, especially given the current agitation for an Igbo president. He described it as abnormal for Kalu to return to the senate, where he would essentially be clapping for his political mate, President Bola Tinubu.
Nkole also questioned Kalu's performance and capacity, stating that he is more experienced and qualified for the senatorial seat. As a former federal civil servant for 12 years and a member of the House of Representatives for eight years, Nkole claims to have cumulatively 20 years of experience in public service and administration. He believes this experience gives him an edge over Kalu, particularly in understanding how to navigate the complexities of representation and governance.
One of the major areas where Nkole faults Kalu's performance is in the provision of electricity supply to Abia North. He pointed out that, except for a few clans, the senatorial district is largely in darkness. Nkole cited specific communities, such as Isuikwuato, Umuna Section, Ohafia, and Abam, which have not had stable electricity supply. He argued that Kalu's inability to deliver on this basic infrastructure is a clear indication of his ineffectiveness as a senator.
Nkole, on the other hand, claims to have a track record of delivering infrastructure projects to his constituency. He mentioned the Ohafia, Umuahia, Bende, and Ozuabam road projects, which he facilitated during his tenure in the House of Representatives. Nkole specifically highlighted the 35-kilometer Ohafia Highway project, which he broke into two sections and awarded to construction companies.
Nkole also expressed his ability to address the energy supply challenges in Abia North. He identified three major substations that are moribund, including those at Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu. Nkole claimed that he has the experience and magic wand to reactivate these substations and ensure that Abia North gets a stable power supply.
Nkole's challenge to Kalu's candidacy is set to add a new dimension to the Abia North senatorial race. With his wealth of experience in public service and administration, Nkole is confident that he has what it takes to represent the senatorial district effectively. As the 2027 elections approach, voters in Abia North will have to decide between Nkole's promise of change and Kalu's bid for re-election.
Key points
- Nkole questions Kalu's suitability for the senatorial seat, citing his experience as a governor and presidential candidate.
- Nkole claims to have 20 years of experience in public service and administration, giving him an edge over Kalu.
- Nkole faults Kalu's performance on electricity supply and infrastructure development in Abia North.
