Teargas, Tension At Zone 9 As Youths, Women Vow Senator Orji Kalu ‘Won’t Get Our Votes’ in 2027

There was drama and heightened tension at the Police Zone 9 Headquarters in Umuahia as youths and women from Ohafia reportedly stood their ground despite being dispersed with teargas, insisting that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu will not receive their votes in the 2027 general elections.

The protest stems from an earlier declaration by the Ohafia Youth Association (OYA), which reportedly declared the Abia North lawmaker persona non grata in the area over allegations that he referred to Ohafia as an “IPOB zone” during the 2023 Abia North Senatorial election.

Recall that following the declaration, the senator representing Abia North petitioned the Ohafia Youth Association to the Zone 9 Command.

Last week, members of the association appeared at the police headquarters in response to an invitation over the petition. However, tensions escalated when they returned again, this time in larger numbers, accompanied by elderly men and women insisting that their position remains unchanged.

According to the protesters, the alleged “IPOB zone” comment in 2023 was deeply offensive and politically damaging. They argued that based on that declaration, the senator has “no moral standing” to return to Ohafia in 2027 to canvass for votes.

A meeting reportedly scheduled between the senator and youth leaders could not hold as the lawmaker was said not to be present at the venue.

Police authorities asked the protesters to return to Ohafia, assuring them that another date would be communicated for a fresh meeting.

However, the youths insisted they had already honoured invitations to Zone 9 twice and would not return again, especially after claiming they were teargased during the latest visit.

They maintained that they remain open to dialogue but on the condition that any future engagement be held in Ohafia, not in Umuahia.

The situation continues to generate reactions across Abia North, with political observers noting that the development may shape early narratives ahead of the 2027 elections.