Abuja, Nigeria — Ambassador Dr Osita Offor “De Ultimate Commander” (Ikenga Gburugburu of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom), has delivered a scathing response to former Abia State governor and senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, accusing him of resorting to outdated and demeaning political tactics in a desperate bid to remain relevant ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ambassador Offor described as “embarrassing and unacceptable” the senator’s widely circulated remarks about distributing ₦20,000 to Abians, stressing that such conduct—especially at a time when campaigns have not officially begun—reflects a mindset stuck in the past. He argued that reducing citizens to recipients of handouts after years of holding public office raises serious questions about leadership priorities and respect for the electorate.
“It is shocking that in this day and age, a political figure of Senator Kalu’s status would openly boast about sharing money as a strategy. That is not empowerment; it is a clear insult to the intelligence and dignity of the people of Abia,” Offor stated.
He further asserted that Senator Kalu’s repeated mention of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti OFR, in nearly all his public outings is not coincidental but a calculated attempt to stay politically visible.
“Governor Otti has become the face of performance in Abia State today. The constant name-dropping only confirms one thing—without Otti, there is no conversation. It is a clear sign of declining political weight,” he said.
Ambassador Offor dismissed claims attributed to Senator Kalu regarding past infrastructural achievements, particularly road construction, insisting that such narratives do not align with the realities known to Abians. According to him, the visible transformation currently ongoing in parts of the state has exposed the gap between past spurious claims and present performance realities.
“You cannot rewrite what the people have experienced. Abians can see the difference. The ongoing work across the state speaks louder than recycled claims,” he added.
On political projections and bold assertions about future electoral outcomes, Offor cautioned Senator Kalu against what he described as “reckless overconfidence,” warning that the era of manipulating public perception, manipulating election outcomes has come to an end. He emphasised that Nigerians, albeit, Abians, are increasingly demanding credibility, transparency, and verifiable results.
“Boasting about delivering votes as if the will of the people does not matter is careless and dangerous. Elections are not personal property. The people will decide, and any attempt to suggest otherwise should concern every believer in democracy,” he said.
Without mincing words, Ambassador Offor also raised concerns about attitudes toward electoral reforms, particularly resistance to measures that enhance transparency, noting that such positions inevitably attract public scrutiny in a maturing democracy.
He urged Senator Kalu to refrain from overheating the polity with premature campaign activities and instead allow Governor Otti to concentrate on governance.
“This constant distraction is unnecessary. Abia needs focused leadership, not early politicking driven by desperation. Governor Otti is working, and that is what should matter at this time,” Offor stated.
According to the undefeated heavy weight champion, public sentiment is increasingly shifting away from what many describe as “stomach infrastructure,” with citizens placing greater value on tangible development and accountable leadership. Several voices across the state have questioned the effectiveness of monetary inducements, describing them as inadequate and out of touch with present realities.
One resident reportedly remarked, “After so many years in power, it is now ₦20,000 that is supposed to win our trust? That cannot solve our problems.” Another added, “People want results, not handouts. Times have changed.” Senator Kalu should sometimes listen more to the electorates and less to the sound of his own voice.
Ambassador Osita Offor concluded by asserting that the political landscape in Abia State has evolved beyond transactional politics, warning that any attempt to rely on such methods in 2027 would fail woefully.
“The people are wiser, more aware, and more demanding. The future belongs to performance, not propaganda; to results, not handouts,” he declared.
