February 11, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel Report
Tension gripped Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Wednesday as a large group of women and youths staged a protest against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, accusing him of failing to execute any meaningful project in the area.
The demonstrators, carrying placards with bold inscriptions such as “OUK, leave us alone,” “Enough is enough,” and “Show us your senatorial projects in Ohafia,” marched through parts of the community, voicing frustration over what they described as years of neglect.
Some of the protesters were also reported to have chanted provocative songs during the demonstration, further heightening tensions in the area.
Roots Of The Crisis
The protest followed an earlier declaration by the Ohafia Youth Association (OYA), which reportedly labelled the former Abia State governor persona non grata. The group accused the senator of allegedly referring to Ohafia as an “IPOB zone” during the 2023 Abia North senatorial election.
According to the youth association, the alleged label led to heavy security deployment in the area, voter intimidation, and widespread disenfranchisement during the polls.
Speaking at the Zone 9 Police Headquarters in Umuahia, where the group had been invited over a petition filed by the senator accusing them of cyberbullying, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Chika Nnate, claimed the designation discouraged thousands of voters.
He alleged that more than 150,000 residents were unable to participate in the election due to fear and security concerns.
Nnate also questioned the senator’s renewed political engagement in Ohafia ahead of the 2027 elections.
“You cannot label us an IPOB zone and then return to campaign in our land,” he said.
Allegations Of Developmental Neglect
Beyond electoral grievances, the group accused the senator of failing to deliver any visible development to the area.
According to the protesters, Ohafia has not benefited from any major infrastructure projects, empowerment programmes, or significant federal interventions credited to the lawmaker.
Police Intervention And Stalled Dialogue
Following the dispute, the senator reportedly petitioned the youth association to the police, leading to their invitation to the Zone 9 Command.
While members honoured the invitation, tensions rose when they returned in larger numbers alongside elderly community members who insisted their stance remained unchanged.
A planned meeting between the senator and youth leaders reportedly did not take place due to his absence at the venue. Police authorities later advised the protesters to return home, promising to communicate a new date for dialogue.
However, the youths rejected further invitations to Umuahia, insisting any future engagement must take place in Ohafia.
They also alleged that security operatives used tear gas during their latest visit to the police headquarters.
Kalu’s Camp Reacts
In response, Senator Kalu’s camp dismissed the allegations, describing the protest as the action of a small interest group rather than a reflection of the wider Abia North population.
The statement maintained that the senator’s record of constituency engagement, legislative work, and development efforts remains evident across the district.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
