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By Tracy Moses
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has asked political stakeholders and supporters in Abia State to remain patient as he considers mounting calls to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Kalu made the appeal on Thursday during a political gathering in Isiala Ngwa, where leaders from Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas endorsed him as their preferred candidate for the state’s highest office.
The event also marked the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the official declaration of Chief Uzoma Ihuka to contest the House of Representatives seat for Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the crowd, Kalu acknowledged the growing support from various parts of the state, including Bende and Obingwa. However, he emphasized that he would announce his position on the governorship at the appropriate time and place.
“I have heard your calls for me to run for governor of Abia State, and I will respond,” Kalu said. “But I will do so in the coming days. I do not intend to address this local government by local government.”
He explained that any formal declaration regarding his governorship ambition would take place in Umuahia, the state capital, in accordance with constitutional and symbolic requirements.
“When we talk about leading Abia State, there is only one place recognised for such a declaration, and that is Umuahia,” he stated. “We will invite all stakeholders to the capital, and it is there that I will give my definitive response.”
The gathering also witnessed a notable wave of defections from opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party. Many of the new entrants cited confidence in the APC-led Federal Government and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu as reasons for joining the ruling party.
Welcoming the defectors, Kalu assured them of inclusive governance and a focus on grassroots development. He praised the Tinubu administration for uniting the party and positioning it for sustained national growth.
According to him, the current level of development under the APC-led government is only a glimpse of what lies ahead, particularly for Abia State. He also stressed the importance of engaging communities directly to understand their needs and deliver practical solutions that improve livelihoods.
The event concluded on a high note, with supporters expressing optimism about the APC’s growing influence in Abia State and reaffirming their call for Kalu to contest the governorship in 2027.