2027: Pressure mounts as group endorses Kalu for Abia gov

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Benjamin Kalu, may be edging closer to declaring his intention to contest the Abia State governorship in 2027, amid mounting pressure from political leaders and support groups across the state.

Leaders and stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency on Thursday joined the growing chorus urging Kalu to vie for the state’s top office, describing him as a unifying figure with the capacity to reposition Abia.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the push was described as part of a wider mobilisation within the Ngwa bloc, a key political stronghold in Abia, “where community leaders have openly endorsed Kalu as their preferred candidate.”

The endorsement was made at the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the declaration of interest by Uzoma Ihuka to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking at the event, Kalu expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which he said has helped stabilise and strengthen the APC across the country.

He noted that while other political parties continue to grapple with internal crises, the ruling party remains focused and committed to delivering development and good governance.

According to him, the reforms and policies being implemented by the APC-led Federal Government offer a glimpse of greater opportunities ahead, particularly for Abia State.

Kalu also assured party faithful and new entrants of inclusive leadership and a people-oriented approach to governance, stressing that the APC is determined to engage communities directly and address their pressing needs.

Responding to calls for him to join the governorship race, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the growing support from across the state but said he would make his position known at the appropriate time.

Kalu said, “I am now in Isialangwa, and they’re saying, come and run for governor. The same way I answered the people of Bende, the same way I answered the people of Obingwa, is the same way I will answer you. I have received your request for me to run for governor of Abia State, but I will respond. I will respond in the coming days because I don’t want to do it local government by local government.

“I want to invite all of you to the capital. When we talk about governorship, when we talk about leading the people of Abia State, there is only one place the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has listed as the right place, the right jurisdiction to exercise the power of the office of the governor, and that is not in any other place but Umuahia.

“It will not be in Isialangwa. It will not be in Obingwa or Aba. It will be in Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in few days to come. All of you will come in your numbers and make that request again there at the state capital. When I hear it clearly on that day, I will respond.”

Kalu’s rising profile in Abia politics comes against the backdrop of increasing political contestation with the incumbent governor, Alex Otti, particularly over governance priorities and the direction of development in the state.

In recent months, the Deputy Speaker has been critical of certain policies and approaches of the Abia State government, arguing that more needs to be done to translate federal presence and opportunities into tangible benefits for the people. His interventions, often framed around infrastructure, economic growth, and inclusiveness, have been interpreted by political observers as part of a broader positioning ahead of 2027.

The APC chieftain has also intensified grassroots engagements across Abia, consolidating support within key blocs such as Bende, Obingwa, and the Ngwa axis.

These moves have coincided with renewed efforts by the APC to expand its influence in the state, which is currently governed by the Labour Party.

On the other hand, Otti has continued to defend his administration’s record, pointing to ongoing reforms and projects aimed at repositioning Abia’s economy and public infrastructure.

However, the emerging political undercurrents suggest that the 2027 governorship race may evolve into a major contest between the incumbent’s camp and a resurgent opposition led by figures such as Kalu.

With endorsements mounting and political structures gradually aligning, Kalu’s expected declaration is likely to further reshape the political landscape in Abia as stakeholders begin early calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.