Legal luminary, respectable political leader and a prominent Ohafia son, Chief Bar Umeh Kalu has ventilated his view on an online reports suggesting his endorsement of the governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti for a 2027 re-election bid.
Chief Umeh known for his leadership qualities and exemplary character puts his record straight as he disagreed with the contents.
In a statement dated 5th August 2025 and made available to Trustbase News on Tuesday, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for Abia State categorically refuted the viral report credited to him but maintained that 2027 re-election of Governor Otti and other political office holders in Abia State lies in the hand of God and Abia electorate.
The statement also disclosed that the picture seen in the fake viral news was taken when the duo of Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and Hon Alex Ikwuecheghi , the member representing Aba North/ South constituency in the federal house of representatives, who also are promoters of a planned Pan- Old Bende civic reception to honour Governor Otti paid him a courtesy visit in his Abuja office on Monday 4th August 2025.
Chief Umeh who acknowledged that Gov Otti deserves a civic reception as promulgated by his visitors, but denied any discussion towards 2027election in Abia State or of any endorsements.
” I confirm having agreed with my visitors that Dr Alex Otti is worthy of a civic reception in his honour by the old Bende union which I am the secretary general, in the light of the remarkable achievements that have characterised his government this far. There was absolutely no discussion on the 2027 election in Abia State or even the mention of Dr Alex Otti’s second term bid”.
He emphasised that he can not stop the aspirations of any old Bende sons and daughters of Governorship or any other political aspirations either as an individual or a leader in 2027 in his dear State Abia, as twisted and projected in the viral report. To him such an attempt not only derogatory but selfish and undemocratic.
” I state categorically that I cannot either on my accord and/ or representing the old Bende Union foreclose any Old Bende son or daughter from contesting the 2027 Governorship election in Abia State, as erroneously stated in that report “.
To Chief Umeh Kalu (SAN) the 2027 election is no time soon and the governor has not requested for his endorsement or expressed his intention to recontest in the 2027 Governorship race.
He however re-affirms his support for a civic reception by the Old Bende Union in honour of Governor Alex Otti. He prays for the success of elected political office holders and Dr Alex Otti as he reassured his stands for God and Abia electorate as determinants of 2027 election fortune.
