Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to remain steadfast in their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the state must move closer to the centre for greater development opportunities.
Kalu made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving one of the APC governorship aspirants, Dr. Eric Opah, at his country home in Bende, Abia State.
The Deputy Speaker encouraged all aspirants seeking elective positions under the APC platform not to lose hope or abandon their ambitions, despite speculations surrounding his own political future.
According to him, the party’s leadership in the state remains committed to sustaining the momentum that would position APC strongly for future elections in Abia.
“Anybody who has picked a form should continue pushing to be on the ballot. Nobody should relent because Benjamin Kalu is not running for governor. The same fire with which we started this struggle will not be quenched. It is through that determination that governors, lawmakers, senators and even the President will emerge with contributions from Abia State,” he stated.
Kalu disclosed that other governorship hopefuls, including former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh, and Mascot Uzor Kalu, had also formally informed him of their intentions to contest, stressing that the APC remained open to all aspirants.
Speaking on the issue of zoning, the Deputy Speaker advised the party to retain the governorship ticket within Abia Central Senatorial District, arguing that moving it elsewhere could disrupt the state’s long-standing power rotation arrangement.
He maintained that since the current governor occupies the seat under the Abia Central arrangement, it would be politically unfair to shift the ticket outside the zone in 2027.
Kalu noted that the zoning formula in Abia had helped to reduce political tension, violence and acrimony over the years, urging APC stakeholders to respect the arrangement in the interest of unity and cohesion.
“My appeal to APC members is to remember what has united us as a people in Abia State. Zoning has reduced rancour and promoted cohesion among politicians. Let us respect it and allow the people of the zone to choose who they want,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also revisited his earlier declaration that “APC will take Abia” in 2027, clarifying that the statement was not a personal ambition to become governor, but a broader vision to reposition the party in the state.
According to him, Abia State has remained too distant from the federal government, thereby missing out on several opportunities and benefits available to states aligned with the ruling party at the centre.
Kalu argued that aligning Abia with the APC-led Federal Government would help the state access more developmental resources and national opportunities.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting true federalism and empowering sub-national governments through increased resource allocation and infrastructural support.
“You may be celebrating the roads and projects you are seeing today without knowing how much more Abia could benefit. President Tinubu believes in true federalism and stronger sub-national governments. Abia should align with the centre in appreciation and for greater development,” Kalu added.
The statement was signed by Saintlevinus Okechukwu Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives.
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