Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination form to vie for Abia North Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.
His ambition does not have the blessing of incumbent Governor and Kalu’s sworn enemy, Theodore Orji.
A few weeks ago, Kalu’s aides under the auspices of Aides of OUK had picked and paid for the form for their boss.
According to Kalu’s aide, Ugochukwu Obialo, who submitted the form on his principal’s behalf: “Today marks a new beginning in the history of Abia North, as an astute politician has accepted the clarion call by his people to run for Senate in 2015. I commend the national leadership of the PDP for their commitment to internal democracy as all party processes remain transparent and this is the beauty of democracy.
“Considering the accomplishments of Dr. Kalu in business and political spheres, he is the best man to represent the people of Abia North. I say a big thank you to our followers, supporters, loyalists, friends and colleagues for their moral, spiritual and financial support so far. I salute everyone.”
The former governor’s aide assured the people of Abia North Senatorial District that his boss will ensure a better representation for them in the 8th National Assembly.
Kalu contested the Abia North Senatorial seat on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2011. He had earlier contested for the Presidency in 2007 on the platform of PPA.
A foundation member of the PDP, Kalu left the part in 2007 to found the PPA when he was deregistered along with others. The PPA won the governorship elections in Abia and Imo states as well as state House of Assembly and House of Representatives seats.
Orji was appointed governor on the platform of the PPA in 2007 but has since fallen out with Kalu.
The former governor re-joined the PDP in 2012 but is yet to make up with his successor.
In a recent reference to Orji’s opposition to his senatorial ambition, Kalu told reporters “no one has monopoly of power to make anyone senator except God and your constituents.”
