A cleric from Abia State, Rev. Ukpai Kalu Ota, has cautioned Chief David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex to stop what he described as unwarranted verbal attacks on the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Rev. Ota advised Bourdex to channel his political energy toward securing his party’s ticket rather than, in his words, “venting frustration on a sitting senator with a proven record of service.”
According to the cleric, Bourdex’s more pressing challenge lies within his own political family and party, where he noted that formidable figures such as Nnamdi Iro Oji Opotoyom, former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, and Emeka Kalu are also strong contenders.
Rev. Ota described the repeated verbal attacks on Senator Kalu as unnecessary and divisive, warning that such rhetoric could unnecessarily heat up the political atmosphere in Abia North. He stressed that healthy politics should be driven by ideas, programmes and credibility, not personal attacks.
The cleric said Senator Kalu’s sustained popularity across Abia North is rooted in visible and verifiable achievements. He cited the construction and renovation of over 120 classroom blocks across the senatorial district, the distribution of desks and complete textbooks to schools, as well as education support initiatives that have enabled dozens of young people from the zone to study Medicine and Surgery and other professional courses both locally and abroad.
He further highlighted the senator’s constituency projects spread across clans and wards, his empowerment programmes for youths and women, and his consistent presence during community crises and development initiatives as factors that continue to endear him to constituents.
“These are tangible records the people can see and verify. That is why Senator Orji Uzor Kalu enjoys wide acceptance and remains strongly positioned for re-election in 2027,” Rev. Ota said.
The cleric also called on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to caution Bourdex against attacking established political leaders in the state, noting that differences in political ambition should be managed with restraint and mutual respect.
“Political ambition is legitimate, but it must be pursued with decorum. Leaders who have served the people should not be targets of abuse because of personal ambition,” he added.
Rev. Ota urged political actors in Abia North to place peace, unity and development above personal interests as preparations for the 2027 elections begin, warning that inflammatory statements and divisive politics could undermine the collective progress of the senatorial district.
