Mascot Uzor Kalu, former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Abia State, has expressed his interest in contesting the 2027 Abia State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising transparent management of local government funds if given the mandate.
Speaking in Umuahia on Saturday before a gathering of APC members and supporters, Kalu pledged to ensure that funds meant for local government areas would be used strictly for grassroots development. He emphasised that local councils must be allowed to function independently and efficiently to serve the needs of the people.
“Allocations due to Abia local governments will not be tampered with. Every fund meant for the councils will be used for the development of communities across the state,” Kalu said.
The APC chieftain, who is the younger brother of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, also promised to restore the full administrative operations of the Abia State Government House to Umuahia, the state capital. He noted that the state’s seat of power should function strictly from its constitutionally designated location to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Kalu stated that his interest in the governorship position was driven by his commitment to deliver quality leadership, bridge the economic gap between the rich and the poor, and promote inclusive growth across Abia State.
He urged APC members to maintain unity and work collectively for the success of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Describing the APC as a party with capable and visionary individuals, Kalu said the party could leverage the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at the federal level to achieve victory in Abia.
Kalu’s public expression of interest adds early momentum to Abia State’s political scene ahead of the 2027 elections. His emphasis on financial transparency and local government autonomy resonates with growing public demand for accountable governance in Nigeria. His promise to restore the government house fully to Umuahia also underscores his commitment to proper administrative order.
Also, Kalu’s remarks, while not an official campaign declaration under INEC regulations, signal the beginning of political mobilisation ahead of 2027 and position him among the early contenders shaping the conversation on transparency and development in Abia State.
Furthermore, he called on all stakeholders to prioritise peace and cooperation, stressing that unity remained the strongest weapon for political success. “We must work together in one direction for the progress of Abia and the growth of our party,” he added.
