OHAFIA — Tensions have reached a boiling point in the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State as the Ohafia Youth Association (OYA) officially declared Senator Orji Uzor Kalu persona non grata, warning him never to return to the community for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The youths, who staged a protest at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, accused the former governor of “political betrayal and hypocrisy”.
The core of the resentment stems from Senator Kalu’s alleged portrayal of Ohafia as an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stronghold during the 2023 elections.
Beyond the “IPOB” label, the youth association leveled several charges of poor representation against the Senator:
In a swift response to the escalating crisis, the Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and the Council of Ohafia Monarchs issued a statement nullifying the youth group’s proclamation.
The political storm coincides with reports of a serious security breach. On February 2, 2026, Senator Kalu was reportedly nearly abducted by unknown gunmen in Ebem, Ohafia. He was forced to seek refuge in a military facility before being escorted back to Igbere under heavy security. The attackers reportedly left a warning that further political activities in the area would result in “serious damage”.
As of early February 2026, the Senator’s media office has not officially addressed the latest “ban” from the youths, though they previously pledged to publish a comprehensive list of constituency projects to counter claims of neglect
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The youths, who staged a protest at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, accused the former governor of “political betrayal and hypocrisy”.
The core of the resentment stems from Senator Kalu’s alleged portrayal of Ohafia as an Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) stronghold during the 2023 elections.
Beyond the “IPOB” label, the youth association leveled several charges of poor representation against the Senator:
In a swift response to the escalating crisis, the Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and the Council of Ohafia Monarchs issued a statement nullifying the youth group’s proclamation.
The political storm coincides with reports of a serious security breach. On February 2, 2026, Senator Kalu was reportedly nearly abducted by unknown gunmen in Ebem, Ohafia. He was forced to seek refuge in a military facility before being escorted back to Igbere under heavy security. The attackers reportedly left a warning that further political activities in the area would result in “serious damage”.
As of early February 2026, the Senator’s media office has not officially addressed the latest “ban” from the youths, though they previously pledged to publish a comprehensive list of constituency projects to counter claims of neglect
Hey there! Exciting news - we've deactivated our website's comment provider to focus on more interactive channels! Join the conversation on our stories through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media pages, and let's chat, share, and connect in the best way possible!