In a dramatic entry into Abia State's political arena, popular Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has publicly thrown her weight behind former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, amplifying his criticism of the current administration led by Governor Alex Otti.
Celebrity Backing for Political Critique
The actress, who recently had a public fallout with Pastor Chris Okafor, used social media to declare her full support for Senator Kalu, whom she referred to as "my boss." She insisted that Kalu's recent comments about Governor Otti's performance were entirely accurate.
Ogala specifically addressed the much-publicized road projects under the Otti administration. She asserted that these were not new developments but rather cosmetic upgrades of infrastructure built during Kalu's tenure as governor. "What my boss, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said about Governor Alex Otti is true," Ogala stated. "Alex Otti is only repainting roads that were originally built by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu."
This intervention from a Nollywood personality into a heated political discourse surprised many observers, highlighting the increasing intersection of entertainment and politics in Nigeria.
Strategic Political Alignment in Abia
The actress's comments came at a politically sensitive time. Just hours before her statement went viral, a significant meeting took place in Umuahia, the state capital.
Former Abia governors Orji Uzor Kalu and Theodore Orji convened a strategic gathering, bringing together key political figures who held office between 2009 and 2023. Political insiders have described this alignment as one of the most crucial in the state's recent history, clearly aimed at forming a united front to challenge for the governorship in the 2027 elections.
This formation of a "super bloc" by former political rivals signals a major shift in Abia's political landscape and sets the stage for a highly contested future election.
Ogala's Ongoing Personal Controversies
Separate from the political commentary, Doris Ogala continues to be embroiled in personal controversies. She has recently raised alarms, claiming that her life and the life of a woman named Ebere, described as Pastor Chris Okafor's alleged baby mama, are in danger.
In an emotional video, the actress alleged that an aide to the pastor instructed her to send Ebere away so the pastor could "sort her out," a statement she interpreted as a threat. This follows previous accusations from Ogala, where she claimed Pastor Okafor received $60,000 through his church account from individuals involved in fraudulent activities.
Public reaction to Ogala's political and personal revelations has been mixed. While some social media users criticized her for seeking publicity or a political appointment, others engaged with the substance of her claims against both the governor and the pastor.
The convergence of celebrity influence, political criticism, and personal allegations underscores the complex nature of public discourse in Nigeria, where entertainment figures increasingly wield their platforms to shape political and social conversations.
