2027: Deputy Speaker Kalu Urges Nigerians to Back Tinubu’s Re-election

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, urging political mobilisation across the country ahead of the next general election.

Kalu made the call on Friday during the commissioning of the national secretariat of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Abuja, where he commended the initiative as a platform for strengthening public engagement and building lasting relationships between leaders and citizens.

The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, praised Tinubu for what he described as courage, vision and determination in steering the affairs of the country amid challenging national circumstances.

According to him, effective leadership requires conviction, resilience and the willingness to make difficult decisions in pursuit of national development.

“Leadership at a demanding moment in history requires conviction, resilience and the willingness to confront difficult choices. Our President has demonstrated these qualities while pursuing an ambitious agenda for national renewal. Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that reform delivers practical improvements in their lives,” Kalu said.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s student loan programme, administered through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as one of the initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education for eligible Nigerian students.

Kalu also cited the establishment of regional development commissions as part of the administration’s efforts to promote inclusive growth and address development challenges across the country.

The Deputy Speaker particularly expressed appreciation to Tinubu for assenting to the South-East Development Commission Act, describing it as a significant step towards addressing reconstruction, infrastructure and other development priorities in the region.

“As a representative of Bende Federal Constituency, I particularly appreciate President Tinubu’s assent to the South-East Development Commission Act, an important step towards addressing reconstruction, infrastructure and development priorities in our region,” he said.

Kalu’s remarks come as political groups and supporters begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.

The lawmaker, who also serves as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council 11 (South), commended the convener and Grand Patron of the PBAT Movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his commitment and investment in establishing the movement’s national secretariat.

He urged members of the organisation to strengthen their grassroots mobilisation efforts and expand their reach across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards to build support for Tinubu’s re-election.

According to Kalu, the movement must take its activities to communities across the country while ensuring that its engagement with citizens goes beyond political mobilisation.

He also charged members to uphold democratic values by listening to the concerns of Nigerians and encouraging peaceful participation in public affairs.

“Nigeria benefits when citizens can exchange ideas peacefully and participate in public life with confidence and dignity,” the Deputy Speaker said.

The commissioning of the national secretariat is expected to provide the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement with a central base for coordinating its activities as it seeks to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.