By Gloria Ikibah
Political momentum is gathering in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections, with influential voices from Isiala Ngwa North and South throwing their weight behind the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to enter the governorship contest.
The growing agitation is being driven by key stakeholders within one of the state’s most decisive political blocs, signalling an early realignment of forces as the race begins to take shape. Community leaders in the area have increasingly rallied around Kalu, positioning him as their preferred choice to lead the state. 
The latest push came during a political gathering marking the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the declaration of Uzoma Ihuka’s ambition to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress.
At the event, attention quickly shifted to the broader political future of the state, with calls intensifying for Kalu to step forward and contest the governorship. The meeting also reflected the ruling party’s growing influence at the grassroots, as it recorded a wave of defections from opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party.
Many of the new entrants cited renewed confidence in the APC’s direction, pointing to what they described as purposeful leadership and visible progress at the federal level as reasons for their switch. Their formal admission into the party is seen as a significant boost to its local structure in the Isiala Ngwa axis.
Kalu, who addressed supporters at the gathering, expressed optimism about the direction of the country under the current administration, describing it as a stabilising force that has strengthened the ruling party nationwide.
He pointed to ongoing development efforts as an indication of broader gains to come, especially for Abia State, while reiterating the party’s focus on delivering tangible improvements to communities.
Amid the mounting calls for him to run, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the growing support base extending beyond Isiala Ngwa to other parts of the state. However, he stopped short of making a formal declaration, indicating that any decision on his political future would be unveiled at the appropriate time.
He hinted that such an announcement would take place in Umuahia, the state capital, where a formal engagement with stakeholders across Abia is expected in the coming days.
Kalu said, “I am now in Isialangwa and they’re saying, come and run for governor. The same way I answered the people of Bende, the same way I answered the people of Obingwa is the same way I will answer you. I have received your request for me to run for governor for Abia state but I will respond. I will respond in the coming days because I don’t want to do it local government by local government. I want to invite all of you to the capital. When we talk about governorship, when we talk about leading the people of Abia State, there is only one place the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has listed as the right place, the right jurisdiction to exercise the power of the office of the governor and that is not in any other place but Umuahia.
“It will not be in Isialangwa. It will not be in Obingwa or Aba. It will be in Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in few days to come. All of you will come in your number and make that request again there at the state capital. When I hear it clearly on that day, I will respond.”
The unfolding developments suggest an early consolidation of political support around Kalu, setting the stage for what could become a defining contest in the state’s 2027 governorship race.
