The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South-East geopolitical zone to strategically back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing it as the most effective way to enhance the Igbo’s bargaining power and advance aspirations for national leadership.
Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, made the appeal on Monday during courtesy visits to party leaders across Abia’s three senatorial zones — Abia North, Abia Central, and Abia South — aimed at strengthening All Progressives Congress (APC) structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu emphasized that building robust political alliances, particularly with the ruling party and the incumbent President, offers the “shortest route” to an Igbo presidency.
He framed votes as “political investments” that yield dividends when placed strategically, warning against wasting them on sentimental choices.
“If you carry your vote and dump it where it does not count towards success, you have wasted your opportunity to go to the negotiation table,” Kalu stated. “What you play politics with is numbers, not sentiment. The vote we have in our hands is the currency for investment.”
The Deputy Speaker argued that supporting Tinubu would foster greater trust, inclusion, and reciprocity, better positioning the South-East for future political transitions. “President Bola Tinubu is where we should invest our votes, and it will count. That is the political reality today,” he added, calling on Igbo leaders and voters to prioritize strategic outcomes over emotions.
Kalu also reiterated President Tinubu’s New Year message urging political leaders to promote unity and inclusiveness, stressing the need for outreach, reconciliation, and collective efforts to build a cohesive party and nation.
During the visits, he met with prominent figures including former Abia Governor and ex-Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Senator John Nwannunu; and APC chieftain Sir Mac Wabara, former Managing Director of the defunct Hallmark Bank, among other elders.
Discussions focused on party unity, grassroots mobilization, and ongoing collaboration among stakeholders.
The Deputy Speaker presented his two-year legislative scorecard to the leaders, openly inviting scrutiny to ensure accountability. “I believe leadership must be subjected to assessment so I can do better,” he explained.
He rallied APC stakeholders to ramp up grassroots efforts, declaring an end to settling for minimal presidential vote shares, such as 25 percent in Abia State. Kalu expressed optimism that the party’s growing structure, momentum, and unity would secure a comprehensive victory for President Tinubu in 2027.
In response, the elder statesmen commended Kalu’s performance in the National Assembly, highlighting his impactful and people-oriented legislative contributions.
About The Author
