Former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising a leadership rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and grassroots empowerment.
Addressing supporters and party stakeholders on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Umuahia, Kalu said his decision to rejoin the race for Abia’s top seat was driven by the urgent need to reposition the state on the path of sustainable progress and truth in governance.
“Though there were irregularities, I congratulated the winner because the people demanded change. I chose not to go to court, allowing the administration space to govern. But today, Abia deserves more progress, more inclusivity, and more truth in governance,” Kalu said, recalling his decision not to contest the outcome of the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The former 2023 frontline contender acknowledged that while some improvements had been recorded under the current administration, the delivery, he said, “has not matched the campaign promises made to the people.”
A People-Focused Agenda
Unveiling his campaign vision, Kalu outlined a comprehensive roadmap anchored on equity, transparency, and economic empowerment. His major pledges include:
- Full implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots.
- Opening state financial systems for public accountability and transparency.
- Prompt payment and dignified treatment of civil servants and pensioners.
- Job-driven economic programs, particularly targeting Abia’s youth population.
- Restoring local government autonomy through full publication and release of LG allocations.
- Continuing capital projects while launching human capacity development initiatives.
Citing the state’s unemployment rate of over 62 percent—nearly double the national average—Kalu described the situation as unacceptable and called for urgent economic revitalization.
“Our journey is not politics as usual. It is a call to restore empathy to leadership and give every Abian a reason to believe again,” he declared.
Faith, Unity, and Renewal
Kalu emphasized that his movement transcends party politics, noting that his campaign is anchored on faith, resilience, and collective progress. He invited APC loyalists, progressives from across political divides, and non-indigenes to join what he described as a “new dawn” for Abia State.
“Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. God never changes. Whoever has God lacks nothing,” he quoted Saint Teresa of Avila, reaffirming his faith-driven approach to leadership.
Concluding his declaration, Kalu delivered a passionate call to action:
“Let us build an Abia that works for all of us, not just some of us.”
A Defining Moment Ahead
The campaign slogan, “Onye rụọ, orie! Arutu uzu, arutu afọ!!” —translated as “He who works, eats! When the barn is full, so is the stomach!”—was unveiled to cheers from supporters, symbolizing his promise of shared prosperity.
With prayers for the success of the APC, Abia State, and Nigeria, Mascot Uzor Kalu’s declaration officially sets the stage for what political observers believe could become one of the most defining contests in the race to Abia 2027.
