Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have formally presented Expression of Interest and Governorship Nomination Forms to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election.
The presentation took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in a move seen as a major push by party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state to draft Kalu into the race.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed appreciation to the stakeholders for the gesture, assuring them of the party’s readiness to secure victory at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
He conveyed strong optimism that the APC would not only clinch the governorship seat in Abia State but also secure victories in the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly elections.
“I want to thank you for bringing this form, and I want to assure you that at the end of the day, the story must change in Abia State. We will work with the party to make sure that happens,” Kalu said.
He noted the growing interest in the APC across Abia State, describing it as a sign that more people are beginning to embrace the party’s ideals.
“It has never happened before that a political party has received this level of interest from aspirants at all levels — from the House of Assembly to the governorship. This shows that people are beginning to understand what APC stands for,” he added.
Kalu further assured party faithful that the APC would not relent in its efforts, vowing that the party would fight to win all elective positions in the state.
“We will not allow this dream to die. We will fight till the end. We will win the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate seats, and the governorship. We will also deliver for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker, however, emphasized that delivering massive support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains his top priority, urging party stakeholders to unite behind the mission.
“The most important thing for me is to ensure that this reformer, who has come to leave lasting legacies, is visibly supported by our people in the South East, starting from Abia State. Every other thing is secondary,” Kalu stated.
Earlier, APC stakeholders from Abia North, Abia Central, and Abia South senatorial districts took turns to commend Kalu’s leadership, legislative achievements, and contributions to party development, urging him to replicate his performance at the state level.
Speaking on behalf of Abia Central, Major General Jack Nwaogbu (Rtd) credited Kalu with revitalizing the APC in Abia State, noting that the party has witnessed significant rejuvenation in recent months.
He said Kalu’s leadership has helped reunite party members and reposition the APC for greater success.
“It is only right that the person who has been able to unite politicians and reposition the party should take up the responsibility of leading Abia State to achieve the good governance we desire,” Nwaogbu said.
Also speaking, Chief James Uko Igwe, SAN, representing Abia North, described Kalu’s performance as outstanding, noting that his track record makes him a strong candidate for the governorship.
“There is no better time than now for you to bring your leadership, unity, and consensus-building to the state level. The impact you have made nationally is what we want to see replicated in Abia,” he said.
From Abia South, former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, said Kalu has demonstrated capacity through tangible development and empowerment initiatives.
He stressed the need for a strong leader who can mobilize support for the APC and deliver electoral success in the state.
“You have created opportunities, empowered people, and brought development. We believe you are best positioned to lead the APC to victory in Abia State and deliver massive support for the President in 2027,” Azubuike said.
The stakeholders maintained that Kalu’s leadership would not only strengthen the APC in Abia but also improve the party’s chances of securing significant votes for President Tinubu in the next general election.
