By Christiana Ekpa
Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Abia State, pressure is mounting on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to join the race following the purchase of his All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms by a coalition of political stakeholders.
The forms were presented to Kalu in Abuja on Saturday by the group, which said its move was informed by his leadership record and performance at the national level.
Leader of the delegation, James Uko-Kalu (SAN), from Abia North Senatorial District, described the Deputy Speaker as a unifying figure whose contributions in the National Assembly have set him apart.
“We are here because we recognise his invaluable contributions to the legislative process and the tangible impact of his representation since 2019,” he said.
According to him, Kalu’s tenure first as House spokesperson and now as Deputy Speaker has been defined by effective lawmaking, inclusiveness, and consensus-building.
Echoing similar sentiments, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended Kalu for fostering unity within the APC in Abia and the wider South-East region.
He noted that the party, which struggled with internal divisions during the 2023 general elections, has seen renewed strength in recent months.
“In the last seven months, the party has witnessed significant revitalisation, largely driven by the Deputy Speaker and other committed leaders who have reconnected it with the grassroots,” he said.
Also speaking, Barr. Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as “messengers of the people,” urging Kalu to prioritise the governorship race.
Responding, Kalu expressed appreciation for the show of confidence, assuring the stakeholders that he would consult widely before making a final decision.
He commended the group for adopting dialogue over confrontation, describing it as a reflection of democratic maturity.
The Deputy Speaker, however, stressed that his immediate focus remains strengthening the APC in the South-East and mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the party, Kalu pledged support for all APC aspirants, noting that unity and discipline would be key to the party’s success in Abia.
“The purchase of this form is clearly a call to serve. I have received it with gratitude and, after due consultations in the next one or two days, I will make my position known,” he said.
Kalu added that changing Abia’s development narrative would require collective commitment within the APC, expressing optimism about the party’s prospects in the state.
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