A Christian cleric, Reverend Chika Ubani, has explained the political dynamics that shaped the 2023 general elections in Abia State, stating that coordinated support from church leaders for Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, influenced voting outcomes across the state and the wider South-East region.
Rev. Ubani made the remarks during a Sunday sermon while reacting to comments attributed to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who reportedly questioned how Senator Orji Uzor Kalu secured re-election in Abia North without delivering victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the presidential poll within the zone.
According to the cleric, the presidential voting pattern in Abia and across the South-East was significantly shaped by the collective position of Christian leaders ahead of the elections.
“The church worked for Peter Obi in 2023. Christian leaders across board agreed to support Obi, and that is why he performed very well in Abia and other South East states,” Ubani said.
He noted that church leaders in Abia State openly guided their congregations during sermons on how to vote.
“Even here in Abia, bishops passed messages during their sermons, asking members to vote for Peter Obi. Many clerics openly endorsed Obi, including myself,” he stated.
Rev. Ubani added that opposition to the Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket also influenced the church’s position during the election period.
“The church was totally against the Muslim–Muslim ticket. So it is wrong to ask why Senator Kalu did not deliver Tinubu,” he said.
Explaining further, he said many voters adopted a mixed voting pattern across different elective positions.
“Majority of the clerics asked their members to vote for Peter Obi for president, vote Kalu for Senate, and vote accordingly for other positions. That was the reality,” Ubani explained.
Speaking on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s political influence, the cleric described the former Abia State governor as a dominant political force across the state, while cautioning Governor Otti against underestimating him.
“OUK is still dominant across Abia State. Otti is playing with fire,” he said.
Rev. Ubani also dismissed suggestions that the Labour Party could align with President Tinubu politically in the future.
“LP will not vote for Tinubu. Tinubu should be wary of Alex Otti. Otti is alone,” Ubani declared.
He further claimed that the APC in Abia State is currently experiencing increased unity among key political stakeholders.
“OUK, T.A. Orji, Ikpeazu, Benjamin Kalu, Emenike, and others are united. Abia APC is now together. The party’s chances are very bright,” he said.
Describing himself as an indigene of Ukwa, Rev. Ubani concluded by commending Senator Kalu’s performance in Abia North.
“Abia North should even loan OUK to us in Ukwa. He is doing exceptionally well in Abia North,” he added.
The cleric’s remarks come amid ongoing political discussions in Abia State over the 2023 election outcomes and the evolving alignment of political forces ahead of future electoral contests.
