Esther Salifu
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to prepare for a democratic takeover ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abia State.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with over 27 political support groups under the umbrella of the Ben Kalu Foundation, including the Renewed Hope Partners and Ben Kalu Movement, the lawmaker underscored the need for synergy between Abia State and the federal government in order to accelerate development.
“We are gathering momentum for 2027, not just for politics but for progress,”
“We want to align with the presidency to ensure that what comes from Abuja gets to the grassroots. We are not coming with force we are coming with the power of the people’s vote.” Kalu said at the event held on Sunday.
Kalu took aim at the Labour Party-led administration in the state, questioning the impact of increased federal allocations under the Tinubu administration. He said that despite the significant rise in funds to the state reportedly as high as ₦40 billion monthly developmental outcomes remain unconvincing.
“Previous administrations in this state worked with far less ₦4 billion to ₦5 billion. Today, Tinubu has opened up federal resources for the states, yet the results are not matching the input. The real miracle worker is the President, who ended the fuel subsidy regime and ensured the savings went to the people through their states,” Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker also revealed that President Tinubu has assured Abians of key infrastructural projects, including a proposed seaport, which he described as pivotal to the region’s economic future. He urged party loyalists and residents to prepare for full participation in the electoral process by obtaining their voters’ cards and APC membership.
In attendance were several political figures and stakeholders, including Rev. Trump Eke, Director General of the Ben Kalu Foundation; Chief Charles Ogbonna; Emeka Stanley; Don Ubani; and Chikezie Mba all of whom pledged support for Kalu’s vision and expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in future elections.
This comes as the Labour Party, which gained significant momentum in 2022 on the back of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign, remains in charge of the state government under Governor Alex Otti. Otti, who was elected in 2023 after running unopposed in LP’s primaries, has yet to formally respond to the Deputy Speaker’s remarks.
