Says It Is Not Yet Time to Declare 2027 Ambition
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside the people, will determine the office he will contest in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Friday during a media chat with journalists at his country home, Kalu stressed that 2026 is still early for political permutations, noting that his primary focus remains the delivery of quality dividends of democracy to his constituents.
“This is still 2026. I have not yet made known my intention regarding what I will contest in 2027. When the time is right, and if my people and my party say I should contest, I will take a stand,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also clarified his earlier call for the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to join the APC, describing it as a friendly gesture.
“I had earlier invited the Governor to join us in APC, but that was before. It is clear he knows what is best for him at the moment. I am no longer making that call,” Kalu stated.
He added that as a party leader, he was prepared to allow any sitting governor who joins the APC to take charge of the party structure in the state, in line with the party’s national policy.
“The APC will naturally produce a governorship candidate for Abia State. That is how party politics works,” he said.
On governance, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation of the Bende Federal Constituency, disclosing that over 20 road projects have been completed in the constituency, with several others currently ongoing.
He specifically addressed the condition of the Umuahia–Bende–Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, a federal road, revealing that he had attracted ₦10 billion for its rehabilitation.
“The Minister of Works informed me that the road is part of the agreement between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government for reconstruction. However, the N10B we attracted for same road were later redirected to the construction of new roads in Bende,” he explained.
He expressed concern over the state of the road, noting that it is embarrassing that such a critical route remains in poor condition.
On allegations of abandoned projects, the Deputy Speaker dismissed claims that the Ohumola Civic Centre in Igbere had been abandoned.
“There is no abandoned project in Bende Federal Constituency. All projects are ongoing. Someone went to a failed 20-metre portion of the 5.8-kilometre Bende–Ozuitem Road and started spreading misinformation. That is not governance,” he said.
He further noted that this was the first time he was experiencing resistance from the state government while facilitating federal projects, attributing it not to the governor but to individuals around him with personal ambitions.
On state creation, Kalu said efforts were ongoing to secure an additional state for the South-East but emphasized that unity among the Igbo people was critical.
“If the South-East wants an additional state, the people must come together. Disunity will make it impossible,” he warned.
Addressing concerns over the Electoral Act, Kalu dismissed claims of deliberate delay by the House of Representatives, stating that the House is awaiting the Senate for concurrent legislative action.
On local government financial autonomy, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.
“If the constitutional court has made a decision, it must be obeyed. I believe governors, at the appropriate time, will comply,” he said.
He added that effective utilization of funds by local governments would allow state governors to concentrate on larger development projects.
The Deputy Speaker also spoke on his peace initiative in the region, “Peace in the South-East,” noting that the programme has been engaging agitating groups discreetly with positive results.
“When you look at the South-East today, you will agree that it is more peaceful than it used to be. That is not by accident,” he said.
Kalu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to quality representation for the people of Bende Federal Constituency while awaiting the direction of his party and constituents ahead of 2027.
