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In a fiery and unapologetic statement issued in Umuahia, Abia State, prominent businessman Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu has launched a scathing attack on Emenike Iroegbu, the publisher of All Facts Newspaper, labeling him a “cash-and-carry blogger” and accusing him of being a pawn for politicians plotting against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s 2027 senatorial ambition. The statement, released on Saturday, August 30, 2025, comes in response to Iroegbu’s recent call for Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and the current senator representing Abia North, to abandon his re-election bid. Ukaegbu’s remarks have ignited a heated debate in the political landscape of Abia State, underscoring the intense rivalries and stakes surrounding the 2027 senatorial election.
A Fierce Defense of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu, a respected figure in Abia State and a key leader of the Abia North Peace Foundation (ANPF), did not hold back in his criticism of Iroegbu, dismissing his call for Kalu to step aside as baseless and driven by ulterior motives. Ukaegbu accused Iroegbu of lacking journalistic integrity, describing him as a “political errand boy” who thrives by aligning himself with politicians willing to pay for his services. “Emenike is not a journalist but a political errand boy. He survives by attaching himself to politicians and hawking his pen to the highest bidder,” Ukaegbu declared, setting the tone for a blistering critique.
According to Ukaegbu, Iroegbu’s opposition to Senator Kalu stems not from principle but from personal grievances, specifically Kalu’s refusal to provide financial patronage to his blog. Ukaegbu alleged that Iroegbu has a history of seeking financial support from politicians, citing his alleged ties to the administration of former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Chinedu Orji, as well as his purported role as a paid operative for the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, where he worked against Kalu’s interests. “Can he deny that he was collecting money from Ikpeazu’s administration and the office of Chinedu Orji? Can he deny that he was on the Labour Party payroll in 2023 working against Senator Kalu?” Ukaegbu challenged, painting Iroegbu as a mercenary motivated by financial gain rather than journalistic objectivity.
Ukaegbu further claimed that Iroegbu is currently receiving support from two political figures—a serial contestant from Ohafia Local Government Area (LGA) and another from Bende LGA—who are eyeing the Abia North senatorial seat in 2027. He also referenced a “Lagos-based lawyer” allegedly backing Iroegbu’s campaign against Kalu, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine the senator’s re-election bid. “Everybody in Abia knows this truth,” Ukaegbu asserted, emphasizing that Iroegbu’s actions are widely recognized as opportunistic within the state’s political circles.
A Turncoat’s Betrayal: Ukaegbu’s Critique of Iroegbu’s Motives
One of the most striking aspects of Ukaegbu’s statement is his accusation that Iroegbu’s criticism of Kalu represents a dramatic reversal from his earlier stance. According to Ukaegbu, Iroegbu had previously praised Kalu’s performance as a senator, lauding his contributions to Abia North through infrastructure projects and legislative achievements. However, Ukaegbu claimed that Iroegbu’s attitude changed after Kalu refused to provide financial support or patronage to his blog. “The businessman further noted that Iroegbu had in the past praised Orji Uzor Kalu’s outstanding performance, but suddenly turned against him after being denied patronage,” the statement read.
Ukaegbu’s rhetoric was particularly vivid in dismissing Iroegbu’s credibility, likening him to “a dog” that barks for attention but will receive no concessions from Kalu. “Like a dog, let him continue to bark. Orji Uzor Kalu will not give him one kobo today, tomorrow, or ever,” Ukaegbu fumed, underscoring Kalu’s refusal to engage with what he described as Iroegbu’s transactional approach to journalism. This sharp rebuke reflects the deep personal and political animosity that has emerged between the two figures, with Ukaegbu positioning himself as a staunch defender of Kalu’s legacy and reputation.
The Zoning Debate and Kalu’s Political Dominance
A key element of Iroegbu’s critique, as referenced by Ukaegbu, appears to involve the issue of zoning in Abia North’s senatorial politics. Zoning, a practice in Nigerian politics where political offices are rotated among different regions or clans to ensure equitable representation, has been a contentious issue in Abia State. Ukaegbu addressed this directly, asserting that “Abia North is not for sale,” and adding that even if it were, “Orji Uzor Kalu has the capacity to buy it ten times over.” This bold statement reflects Ukaegbu’s confidence in Kalu’s financial and political clout, as well as his belief that the senator’s achievements make him an unbeatable force in the 2027 election.
Ukaegbu went further, dismissing the efforts of Kalu’s political rivals from Ohafia and Bende LGAs, as well as the alleged Lagos-based lawyer backing Iroegbu. “OUK fears no politician, no party, and no conspiracy. In 2027, he will defeat all of them put together, because he remains the face of APC in Abia State and the most formidable political figure from Abia North,” Ukaegbu declared. This assertion underscores Kalu’s enduring influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his status as a dominant figure in Abia North politics.
Kalu, a former two-term governor of Abia State (1999–2007) and the current Senate Chief Whip, has been a polarizing yet undeniably impactful figure in Nigerian politics. His tenure as senator has been marked by significant legislative activity and constituency projects, including the construction of over 80 schools and key road projects across Abia North, as noted by Ukaegbu and reported by sources such as The Sun Nigeria and Politics Nigeria. These achievements have solidified Kalu’s support base in the region, despite opposition from critics like Iroegbu.
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Selective Criticism
Ukaegbu’s statement also accused Iroegbu of hypocrisy, questioning why he has not criticized other long-serving lawmakers in Abia State with the same fervor. He pointed to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who has represented Abia South in the Senate since 2007, and Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who spent 16 years in the House of Representatives, as examples of politicians who have enjoyed extended tenures without drawing Iroegbu’s ire. Ukaegbu also referenced the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who represented Abia North for 12 years, noting that Iroegbu never raised objections to his prolonged tenure. “His cash-and-carry conscience never complained then,” Ukaegbu remarked, accusing Iroegbu of selective criticism driven by personal gain.
This line of attack highlights a broader critique of Iroegbu’s credibility, positioning him as a journalist whose principles are swayed by financial incentives. Ukaegbu’s reference to Iroegbu’s “cash-and-carry conscience” is a direct challenge to his integrity, suggesting that his opposition to Kalu is motivated by external influences rather than genuine concern for the people of Abia North. By contrast, Ukaegbu portrayed Kalu as a principled leader whose contributions to the region are unmatched, citing specific projects like roads and solar lights in Iroegbu’s own Umuasua community as evidence of his commitment to development.
Kalu’s Record and the Case for Re-Election
Central to Ukaegbu’s defense of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is the lawmaker’s record of achievements in Abia North. According to Ukaegbu, Kalu’s contributions in the Senate, including bills, motions, and constituency projects, have had a transformative impact on the region. Reports from The Sun Nigeria and Politics Nigeria corroborate this, noting that Kalu has facilitated the construction of over 80 schools and key road projects in communities such as Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi. These projects, Ukaegbu argued, stand in stark contrast to the lack of tangible contributions from Iroegbu’s alleged sponsors in Ohafia and Bende. “What have his sponsors from Ohafia and Bende done for his people? Absolutely nothing,” he stated, emphasizing Kalu’s superior track record.
Ukaegbu’s statement also highlighted Kalu’s role in securing federal projects for Abia North, including infrastructure initiatives supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. This aligns with earlier reports from The Sun Nigeria and Politics Nigeria, which noted that Abia North leaders have praised Kalu for his ability to attract federal resources to the region. Ukaegbu’s assertion that “every right-thinking Abian knows Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is performing” reflects the widespread support Kalu enjoys among his constituents, who view him as a champion of development and progress.
The Political Context of Abia North 2027
The controversy surrounding Iroegbu’s call for Kalu to step aside must be understood within the broader political context of Abia State, where the 2027 elections are already shaping up to be a battleground. Abia North, one of the state’s three senatorial districts, has been a stronghold for Kalu since his election to the Senate in 2019. His influence within the APC, both in Abia State and nationally, has made him a formidable figure, as evidenced by his role as Senate Chief Whip and his leadership in mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, as reported by THISDAYLIVE and Leadership.ng.
The emergence of potential challengers from Ohafia and Bende LGAs, as referenced by Ukaegbu, suggests that the 2027 senatorial race will be fiercely contested. The mention of a “serial contestant” from Ohafia and another politician from Bende indicates that Kalu’s opponents are already positioning themselves to challenge his dominance. The alleged involvement of a Lagos-based lawyer adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at external influences seeking to disrupt Kalu’s political machine. However, Ukaegbu’s confident assertion that Kalu “fears no politician, no party, and no conspiracy” underscores the senator’s resilience and political clout.
The issue of zoning, raised by Iroegbu, is a particularly contentious point. While zoning is a common practice in Nigerian politics, Ukaegbu’s dismissal of it as irrelevant in the face of Kalu’s achievements suggests that the senator’s supporters prioritize performance over regional considerations. Kalu, who hails from Igbere in Bende LGA, has faced calls from some quarters to cede the senatorial seat to another part of Abia North, such as Ohafia, which claims to be next in line for the governorship or senatorial representation based on historical zoning agreements, as noted in Wikipedia entries on Abia State elections. However, Ukaegbu’s statement that “Abia North is not for sale” reflects a rejection of these arguments, positioning Kalu as the region’s undisputed leader.
The Role of the Abia North Peace Foundation
Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu’s statement was issued in his capacity as a leader of the Abia North Peace Foundation (ANPF), a socio-political group that has consistently supported Kalu’s political endeavors. The ANPF, as reported by The Sun Nigeria and Freedom Online, has been vocal in praising Kalu’s contributions to Abia North, including infrastructure projects and his efforts to promote unity within the APC. The group’s endorsement of Kalu for 2027, as articulated by Ukaegbu, aligns with their broader mission to foster peace and development in the region.
Ukaegbu’s role as a prominent businessman and community leader lends weight to his statements, as he represents a significant constituency within Abia North. His defense of Kalu is not only a personal stance but also a reflection of the ANPF’s collective support for the senator. The group’s influence, combined with Kalu’s political machinery, makes it likely that he will remain a dominant force in the 2027 election, despite opposition from figures like Iroegbu.
The Broader Implications for Abia Politics
The feud between Ukaegbu and Iroegbu highlights the polarized nature of Abia State’s political landscape, where personal rivalries, financial interests, and regional dynamics intersect. Iroegbu’s call for Kalu to step aside, and Ukaegbu’s subsequent rebuttal, are indicative of the high stakes involved in the 2027 elections. As Kalu seeks re-election, he will face challenges from within and outside the APC, including from politicians aligned with the Labour Party and other opposition groups.
The accusations of financial impropriety leveled against Iroegbu also raise broader questions about the role of media in Nigerian politics. Ukaegbu’s claim that Iroegbu is a “cash-and-carry blogger” who trades his influence for money reflects a common critique of certain media outlets in Nigeria, where financial patronage can blur the lines between journalism and political advocacy. Whether Iroegbu’s criticisms of Kalu are motivated by principle or profit, the controversy underscores the need for transparency and accountability in political discourse.
For Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the path to 2027 will be fraught with challenges, but his track record and political acumen make him a formidable candidate. Ukaegbu’s statement, with its unwavering support and pointed critique of Iroegbu, serves as a rallying cry for Kalu’s supporters, who see him as the best hope for Abia North’s continued development. As the election draws closer, the battle for Abia North’s senatorial seat will likely intensify, with Kalu’s legacy and achievements at the heart of the debate.
Conclusion
Chief Nnanna Ukaegbu’s blistering attack on Emenike Iroegbu is a powerful defense of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s 2027 senatorial ambition, highlighting the deep divisions and high stakes in Abia North’s political landscape. By labeling Iroegbu a “cash-and-carry blogger” and accusing him of serving as a tool for Kalu’s rivals, Ukaegbu has sought to discredit the publisher’s criticisms and reaffirm Kalu’s dominance in the region. The statement underscores Kalu’s record of legislative and developmental achievements, positioning him as the frontrunner for re-election in 2027.
As Abia North prepares for a contentious election, the clash between Ukaegbu and Iroegbu is a preview of the battles to come. With Kalu’s supporters rallying behind his leadership and opponents seeking to challenge his dominance, the 2027 senatorial race promises to be a defining moment for the region. For now, Ukaegbu’s words resonate as a call to action, urging Abia North’s voters to stand by Kalu and reject what he describes as the “blackmail” of a “frustrated, merchandise blogger” and his paymasters.
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