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By Gloria Ikibah

Momentum is building around the possible governorship bid of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as political actors in Abia State step up efforts to draft him into the 2027 contest.

A coalition of stakeholders and influential voices has obtained the All Progressives Congress nomination and expression of interest forms on his behalf, signalling a coordinated push to persuade him to join the race.

The documents were handed over to the Deputy Speaker in Abuja, in what observers see as a calculated move to nudge him towards a formal declaration.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, James Uko-Kalu SAN, pointed to his record in public office, highlighting his rise since entering the House of Representatives in 2019 and his contributions at the national level. His tenure as House spokesperson and current role as Deputy Speaker are being cited as evidence of his leadership credentials and capacity to unify diverse interests within the state.

“We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,” he said.

According to him, Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasises consensus-building, peace, and inclusiveness, is what Abia State currently needs.

“I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,” Igwe noted.

Also speaking, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended the Deputy Speaker for fostering unity within the APC in the state and across the South-East region.

He stated that the party which had internal divisions that weakened its performance in the 2023 general elections, has witnessed significant revitalisation in recent months.

“In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Kalu’s ability to bring together diverse political interests positions him as the right candidate to lead Abia State and deliver good governance.

Similarly, Barr. Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as “messengers of the people,” conveying a collective appeal for Kalu to contest the governorship.

Azubike urged the Deputy Speaker to prioritise the governorship ambition, stressing that his leadership offers the best opportunity for progress in the state.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker appreciated the stakeholders abd said it is a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and service. He therefore assured them that he will consult with relevant political actors and well-wishers before making a definitive pronouncement on the request in the coming days.

Kalu praised the delegation for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement rather than resorting to protests or violence, noting that such an approach reflects a firm commitment to democratic ideals and responsible political participation.

He emphasised that, beyond individual ambitions, his immediate priority remains the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, particularly in galvanising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, building unity within the party and aligning the region more closely with the government at the centre are critical to unlocking greater development opportunities.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, pledging to support all aspirants within the party, this is as he emphasised that collective success will depend on cohesion, discipline, and a shared vision. He expressed optimism that the party is well-positioned to secure victory across Abia State in the next election cycle.

“You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.

“The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.

“I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,” he said.