Political economist and academic, Professor Chinedu Nwogu, has offered insight into the Port Harcourt Road project in Aba, Abia State, while also urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rally behind a credible candidate from Abia North ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking to reporters, Professor Nwogu challenged claims that the Port Harcourt Road was abandoned by previous administrations. He recalled that the road was among the projects commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the tenure of then Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
“This Port Harcourt Road, alongside other projects, was why Obasanjo called OUK an ‘action governor’. It is wrong to demarket Abia as if we had nothing,” he stated.
He clarified that the deterioration of the road was largely due to persistent flooding from Ariaria to Waterside, and a court ruling that halted critical drainage work during Kalu’s administration.
“As someone who lived in Aba, I remember landlords and property owners taking Governor Kalu to court over the drainage project. It was Justice Akomas who granted an injunction halting the work because several buildings were marked for demolition,” Nwogu said.
Highlighting the achievements of Governor Kalu, Nwogu listed numerous projects including the construction of commissioners’ quarters, 15 general hospitals, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), roads across Ngwa land, Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia, electrification projects, and the establishment of farm estates and stadiums.
“Orji Uzor Kalu built infrastructure that others failed to maintain. He implemented free healthcare and education, and built the Abia Houses in Abuja. Back then, Abia was a progressive state with reputable commissioners and advisers. It’s sad many of them are silent today.”
On the current administration, Professor Nwogu criticised Governor Alex Otti’s handling of the Port Harcourt Road project, alleging that the reported ₦30 billion spent was excessive.
“I am from Isiala Ngwa South, and honestly, I feel ashamed because I can’t point to any project Otti has initiated or completed in Ngwa land. The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is coming to commission a six-kilometre road is embarrassing,” he said.
Nwogu called on the Abia APC to unite and field a strong candidate from Abia North to challenge Governor Otti in 2027, arguing that the resources received by the current administration have not translated into tangible development.
“It’s time for the APC to put its house in order. Although I have no personal ties with Orji Uzor Kalu, I believe he remains the face of the party in Abia. He should leave his comfort zone, rally the party, and deliver both President Tinubu and a new governor in 2027.”
According to Nwogu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu still enjoys the support of traditional rulers, the clergy, youth, and women across the state. He added that Kalu’s track record as a senator further strengthens his appeal within the APC.
“He is the consensus candidate for Abia North, but we want him to go further and help give Abia a new governor in 2027.”
