Mascot Uzor Kalu Declares 2027 Governorship Bid, Engages Abia APC Leadership.

Mascot Uzor Kalu Declares 2027 Governorship Bid, Engages Abia APC Leadership.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Mascot Uzor Kalu, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, pledging to run on the platform of the party.

Kalu made his ambition known on Friday during a consultative meeting with the Abia State Working Committee and members of the party’s Executive Committee (EXCO), where he sought the support of party leaders and stakeholders ahead of the primaries.

Speaking at the meeting, the Abia State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, assured all aspirants of a transparent and equitable process.

He emphasized that under his leadership, the party would uphold internal democracy, guaranteeing a level playing field for every contender.

Addressing party members, Kalu raised concerns over what he described as a lack of transparency and accountability in the current administration of the state. He criticized the 2026 budget, alleging that more than ₦1 trillion was appropriated without sufficient attention to key sectors, particularly those affecting women and youths.

The governorship hopeful also faulted what he termed inflated project costs, citing road construction as an example.

He compared a 2023 project by the Rivers State Government a 16-kilometre road with two bridges awarded for ₦19 billio with the reconstruction of the 5.8-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Abia, awarded shortly after to Julius Berger for ₦36 billion.

Kalu further lamented that despite monthly allocations exceeding ₦50 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the impact of such funds is not adequately reflected in the living conditions of residents.

He accused the current administration of prioritizing projects that do not directly benefit ordinary citizens.

Reflecting on his previous political experience, Kalu noted that he contested the 2023 governorship election alongside the incumbent governor, with both campaigns anchored on transparency and accountability.

“Today, the situation appears to have reversed,” he said, expressing disappointment over what he perceives as unmet expectations.

Kalu added that his tenure as Chief of Staff has equipped him with practical governance experience, positioning him to provide effective leadership if elected.

He called on APC members to unite and take decisive action, warning that the party must not remain passive while, according to him, the state is being mismanaged.

While seeking the party’s backing, Kalu reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, pledging to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate if he does not secure the nomination.