By Lawani Mikairu

An Igbo Group has commended the humanitarian initiatives championed by the Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu Foundation and has therefore called on him to contest the upcoming 2027 Senatorial election.

According to a statement signed and released by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of the Igbo Group, Nigerians, particularly the people of Abia North Senatorial Zone, Abia State, and the Southeast, have been badly affected by Nigeria’s current economic crisis, “which has rendered countless individuals unable to secure even the most basic human necessities.”

The statement continued: “Also, the pervasive challenges of insecurity, compounded by widespread economic disarray, herald a profound transformation in the political landscape as we approach the 2027 elections. It is increasingly clear that a ‘ballot box revolution’ is imminent—a historical moment where the aggrieved masses, especially the Igbo people, will unambiguously retire from politics those individuals who have demonstrated unproductivity, corruption, and incompetence.

The stark choice before the electorate will pit an enraged and disillusioned populace against a cadre of corrupt and dishonest politicians who have failed to uphold their obligations.”

“In scrutinizing the current political climate, it becomes evident that approximately 90% of Igbo politicians, particularly those who represent the Southeast, have betrayed the trust vested in them by their constituents. They have chosen to neglect their responsibilities, fleeing their constituencies and seeking refuge in Abuja as insecurity and hunger ravage the lives of the people they were elected to serve. This abandonment is intolerable, and the time for accountability has arrived.”

The statement also said the Igbo Group acknowledges and commends the few brave Igbo leaders who continue to stand resolutely for their people and constituencies.

“Chief Emeka Charles Kalu exemplifies this valorous spirit, embodying the essence of the Igbo philosophy encapsulated in the phrase ‘Onye Ahala Nwanne Ya’—a call to action for community support and solidarity. His unwavering commitment to identifying with his constituents during their most distressing moments, and providing them with support and succor, is a testament to his character.

His efforts have not only alleviated the pangs of poverty but have also brought joy to the faces of countless citizens throughout Abia North and beyond.”

It added that recent intelligence gathering reveals “a burgeoning consensus among the citizenry of Abia North, fervently advocating for Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu as a viable candidate for future political leadership. In this context, the Igbo Group earnestly implores him to listen to the heartfelt pleas of his people. It is imperative that he harnesses his moral resolve and steps forward to represent them in the 2027 elections, irrespective of the specific position he may seek within the political framework.”

“In conclusion, as we stand at this critical juncture, the call for genuine leadership resounds louder than ever. Dr. Emeka Charles Kalu must remain attuned to the voices of his constituents, embodying a leadership style rooted in integrity, empathy, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people. The weight of history lies heavy upon this moment, and it is incumbent upon leaders such as him to rise to the occasion, charting a course towards a brighter future for the Igbo people and Nigeria as a whole,” it added.