The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, is increasingly being tipped as a major contender for the 2027 Abia State governorship election, following growing pressure from political stakeholders and support groups across the state urging him to enter the race.
Leaders from Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency on Thursday added their voices to the expanding call, describing Kalu as a bridge-builder capable of uniting different political blocs and repositioning Abia for development. They expressed confidence in his leadership capacity and grassroots acceptance.
According to a statement released by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the endorsement forms part of a wider mobilisation within the Ngwa political bloc, one of the most influential power bases in Abia State, where community leaders have openly rallied behind his possible candidacy.
The endorsement event took place during the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the declaration of Uzoma Ihuka’s intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
At the gathering, Kalu expressed strong confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the current federal leadership has strengthened and stabilised the APC nationwide. He added that while opposition parties continue to face internal divisions, the ruling party remains focused on governance and development delivery.
He further stated that ongoing reforms at the federal level present greater opportunities for Abia State and urged party members and supporters to remain united and engaged at the grassroots level.
Responding to increasing calls for him to contest, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the mounting pressure but said he would formally address the matter at the appropriate time, assuring supporters that his decision would be communicated in due course.
Kalu remarked that consultations would not be restricted to local government levels alone, adding that he would prefer a broader engagement in the state capital, Umuahia, where a more comprehensive political response would be made.
He added that the governorship seat is constitutionally exercised from the state capital and urged supporters to await a formal invitation where he would address the growing demand directly.
Political developments around Kalu’s potential ambition have intensified in recent months, particularly as he continues to expand his influence across various parts of Abia State, including Bende, Obingwa, and the Ngwa axis.
Tensions between the APC and the current administration led by Governor Alex Otti have also shaped the political climate, with debates over governance direction and development priorities becoming more pronounced.
While Kalu has criticised aspects of the state government’s policies, arguing for deeper reforms and stronger federal-state synergy, the ruling administration under the Labour Party has maintained that its reform agenda is already yielding positive results in infrastructure and economic development.
As political alignments continue to shift ahead of 2027, observers suggest that the contest may become a defining moment in Abia’s political history, especially if Kalu eventually formalises his entry into the race.
