By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
Abia State |January 10, 2026 —
Strong reactions have continued to trail recent comments by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as former Abia State governorship candidate and founder of the OAU foundation, Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche sharply criticised what he described as attempts to diminish the will of the people and elevate personal influence above democratic process in Abia State.
Recall that the former governor and senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu questioned the performance of Gov Alex Otti and claimed credit for Otti’s emergence in the 2023 governorship election. The comments sparked renewed political debate across the state, particularly as discussions gradually shift toward the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the statements, Onyekwere Akym warned political actors against what he termed “playing God” with the destiny of Abia people.
“The next election will come with a lot of surprises. Nobody should play God,” he said, stressing that electoral outcomes are determined by the collective will of the electorate and divine providence, not by the assertions of any individual, regardless of past influence.
Akym argued that the 2023 governorship election marked a turning point in Abia’s political history, insisting that the change witnessed in the state was neither accidental nor imposed by political elites.
“It’s not going to be business as usual. God changed Abia State in 2023 with Gov Alex Otti, and He is going to change the outcome of the 2027 election in Abia North too,” he declared.
He maintained that claims suggesting ownership of electoral victories undermine democratic values and disregard the sacrifices made by voters who turned out in large numbers to demand change.
According to him, Abians have become more politically conscious and are increasingly resistant to narratives that portray elections as products of personal intervention rather than popular choice.
While responding to Senator Kalu’s criticism of the current administration, OAU noted that governance should be assessed through institutions and verifiable outcomes, not through personal comparisons or historical assertions. He cautioned that dismissing ongoing reforms or framing governance as a continuation of past administrations risks alienating a populace eager for accountability and transparency.
Akym further warned that political leaders who underestimate the evolving mindset of Abia voters ahead of 2027 may be confronted with unexpected outcomes at the polls.
“The people are watching, they are listening, and they will decide,” he said, adding that no political structure is immune to change when citizens are determined.
As political conversations intensify, Akym’s reaction reflects a growing sentiment among stakeholders who believe Abia has entered a new political phase, one defined less by political godfatherism and more by voter awareness and accountability. With 2027 approaching, observers say such exchanges signal the beginning of a broader contest over narratives, influence, and the future direction of Abia State.
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