The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has expressed support for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's bid to retain the Abia North Senatorial District seat in 2027. COSEYL's endorsement comes in response to recent comments by Amobi Ogah, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, who urged Kalu to step aside and allow a new representative to emerge. COSEYL described Ogah's intervention as inappropriate, arguing that voters across the senatorial district should determine the choice of senator.
COSEYL, a major socio-political youth organisation in the South-East, said the senatorial district comprises Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi local government areas. The group argued that no individual representing one federal constituency should claim the authority to determine who should represent the entire senatorial district. COSEYL's statement was signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru.
Ogah had called for Kalu to step aside, citing his eight years as governor of Abia State and eight years in the Senate. He suggested that Kalu had "tried" in public office and should now give another person an opportunity to represent the district. Ogah specifically identified Chief David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex as a prospective candidate for the senatorial seat, describing him as capable of providing fresh leadership for Abia North.
COSEYL rejected the argument that Kalu's length of service should automatically disqualify him from seeking another term. The group said voters should assess Kalu on his record, rather than simply on the number of years he has spent in elective office. COSEYL cited projects attributed to Kalu, including roads, schools and human-capital development initiatives, as evidence of his contributions to the district.
COSEYL also raised a comparison with other candidates, questioning what it described as a double standard in the debate over longevity in the Senate. The group referred to an unnamed Labour Party senator who allegedly spent about 20 years in the Senate, arguing that calls for retirement should not be selectively applied. COSEYL said the argument should focus on legislative performance, experience and the ability of candidates to represent their constituents.
The disagreement comes as political activity around the Abia North Senate seat intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, is currently representing Abia North in the Senate, while Ogah represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi in the House of Representatives on the Labour Party platform. Different political actors and groups are already beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
COSEYL urged Ogah to focus on his responsibilities as the representative of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi and allow voters across Abia North to determine who should occupy the senatorial seat. The organisation maintained that political differences should be resolved through democratic competition rather than attempts by one political actor to speak for an entire senatorial district. The choice of who represents Abia North in the Senate will ultimately be determined through the electoral process and the decisions of eligible voters in the district.
Key points
- COSEYL backs Orji Uzor Kalu for Abia North Senate seat
- Amobi Ogah urges Kalu to step aside for fresh representation
- Debate intensifies ahead of 2027 general elections
