I’m Not Desperate for Abia Governorship in 2027 — Kalu

Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, has refuted the assertion that he is anxious to become governor of Abia State in 2027, emphasizing that the people of the state and his party, the All Progressives Party (APC), will decide his future political move.

He emphasizes that serving the people of Bende Federal Constituency is his current goal and that becoming governor is not the ultimate goal for somebody like him.

Speaking to reporters on Friday at his rural home, Kalu insisted that 2026 is still too early for political changes, emphasizing that his main concern is still providing his constituents with high-quality democratic dividends rather than the post he will hold in 2027.

“2026 is still here.” My plans for what I will run for in 2027 have not yet been announced. “I will take a stance when the time is right and whatever my people and my party say I should contest,” he declared.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that he invited Governor Alex Otti to join the APC out of friendship and the party’s benefit.

“The narrative that I want to block him from coming to APC is not true,” he added, using the occasion to refute the rumor that he, Kalu, is preventing the governor from joining the party.

“I am the one inviting him to APC, but if I were self-centered, I would do that. Theodore Orji, a former governor of Abia State, joined the APC as a result of our ongoing party membership campaign.

“The governor was invited to join us in APC earlier, but that was in the past. He is aware of what is best for him right now. “I’m not making that call anymore,” Kalu continued.

He clarified that, in accordance with the party’s national policy, he was willing to let any incumbent governor who joined the APC assume control of the state’s party organization.

Naturally, the APC will offer a candidate for governor of Abia State. He explained, “That’s how party politics operate.”

Even though he reaffirmed his support for the construction of one more state for the South East in order to put the zone on level with other federation zones, he claims that he is highly interested in bringing development to the Bende Federal constituency.

He insisted that the establishment of a new state in the South East would improve the nation’s unity, cohesiveness, and advancement. The House of Representatives’ Deputy Speaker took use of the occasion to refute claims that part of the ongoing roads he brought to Bende had been abandoned.

Speaking on his leadership, Kalu reiterated his dedication to effectively representing the Bende Federal Constituency, noting that more than 20 road improvements had been finished in the area and that several more are in underway.

Kalu claimed to have raised ₦10 billion for the improvement of the Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia-Arochukwu Road.

“The road is part of the agreement between the Federal Government and the Abia State government for reconstruction,” he said, quoting the Minister of Works. Nevertheless, the N10B that we were able to secure for the same road was subsequently diverted to the building of new roads in Bende.

He voiced his concern over the condition of the road, saying that it is shameful that such a vital artery would be in such bad shape.

The Deputy Speaker denied that the Ohumola Civic Center in Igbere has been abandoned in response to accusations that he has abandoned some of the projects he has brought to Bende.

“The Bende Federal Constituency does not have any abandoned projects. Every project is in progress. Someone began disseminating false information at a failed 20-meter section of the 5.8-kilometer Bende–Ozuitem Road. He declared, “That is not governance.”

In response to concerns about the Electoral Act, Kalu denied that the House of Representatives was purposefully delaying the process, saying that the House is waiting on the Senate to take concurrent legislative action.

Regarding financial autonomy for local governments, Kalu reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to ensure that states and local government councils follow the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Any ruling rendered by the constitutional court must be followed. When the moment is right, I think governors will cooperate. State governors would be able to focus on more ambitious development projects if local governments used their budgets efficiently, he continued.

Regarding peace in the South East, Kalu clarified that his efforts to promote peace in the area would soon pay off. He claims that the program has successfully engaged agitated groups in a covert manner.

You would concur that the South-East is now more tranquil than it was in the past. He thought, “That is not by accident.”