Abuja: On Saturday, stakeholders in Abia showed strong support for Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu‘s 2027 governorship run by purchasing APC nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf.
This action highlights Kalu as the preferred candidate among party leaders for the next election.
Presenting the forms in Abuja, the group’s leader, Mr James Igwe, said they had seen the milestones the deputy speaker had achieved at the national level.
Igwe, representing Abia North Senatorial District, said this is the right time for Kalu to become the state’s governor.
“We are here because we value the Deputy Speaker’s legislative contributions and development efforts.”
We remember very well that you were elected as our representative in June 2019, and we have reviewed the entire process.
We have seen several milestones as a spokesperson for the National Assembly, and your contributions have been outstanding.
“Now, as the deputy speaker, one that we are proud of, you have been a statesman. You have been the fine trade that has galvanised all efforts in Abia.
I have personally witnessed project commissioning across our constituency last year.
“I drove around inspecting these projects, and professionals think that there is no better time than now for you to bring to the state level, that spirit of statemanship, that effort to unite, that effort at building consensus and peace in the southeast.
The indelible marks you made at the national level should be made in Abia. There is no better time than now.
“As professionals, we felt that we are in a position to obtain the nomination form for the gubernatorial election for our party in Abia.”
Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Jack Okechukwu Rtd said that Kalu had succeeded in uniting all the various APC political blocks in the state and indeed the entire South East geo-political zone.
According to Okechukwu, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District, the once-scattered party that led to vote splitting in the 2023 general elections is now united and solid.
“In the past seven months, there has been rejuvenation of the party as a result of the party being given back to those who own it, the masses, and that was made possible by the deputy speaker and other good-hearted party leaders in Abia,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Uzor Azubike, who represented the Abia South Senatorial District, said that the delegation came as messengers of the people of Abia.
He said that the best thing Kalu could do for the state was to abandon all other ambitions and take over the state’s leadership.
On behalf of the people of Abia South Senatorial District, where I served as a member of the House of Assembly and as a former Deputy Speaker, I have the mandate of the people of that zone. I was also a member of the House of Representatives for Aba South.
“I join the other audience to call on you, sir. Please review the request we made on April 12 and respond immediately by completing the forms. We already have the forms here,” he said.
Responding, Kalu expressed gratitude for the stakeholders’ endorsement and said he would consider their request for him to run for governor and respond soon.
He commended the group for not resorting to violence to force change in the state, saying that their choice of dialogue showed they were true democrats.
Kalu urged all stakeholders to galvanise support for President Tinubu across the entire South East in the 2027 elections.
He pledged his support for all APC aspirants, saying the party would take over the state and all elective offices to further unite with the government at the centre.
“You believe that if I come on board, because I am a believer in this Eight Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, because I am a believer in his spirit of true federalism, which empowers the sub-nationals to be able to make an impact, I will make a difference.
I am sure I will be giving you an answer. Yes, the form has been given, which means people are asking me to step up.
We will keep it, and in the next one or two days, come out with what we have finalised. Thank you for bringing the form. Together, we’ll change Abia and work with the party to make it happen.
