A coalition of political stakeholders has intensified calls for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State after purchasing his expression of interest and nomination forms under the All Progressives Congress.
The group formally presented the forms to Kalu in Abuja on Saturday, citing his legislative track record and leadership credentials as key reasons for urging him to enter the race.
Speaking for the delegation, Senior Advocate of Nigeria James Uko-Kalu described the Deputy Speaker as a unifying force whose contributions to lawmaking have translated into visible development.
According to him, Kalu’s performance since his election to the National Assembly in 2019 has distinguished him as a capable and results-driven leader. He added that the lawmaker’s style of leadership has inspired confidence among professionals and political actors across Abia State.
Uko-Kalu noted that firsthand assessments of projects executed within Kalu’s constituency reinforced the belief that he is well-positioned to replicate such achievements at the state level.
Adding his voice, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu praised Kalu’s role in rebuilding cohesion within the APC in Abia and across the South-East. He observed that the party, which faced internal divisions during the 2023 general elections, has recently witnessed renewed unity and grassroots engagement.
Similarly, Uzo Azubuike from Abia South Senatorial District described the delegation as representatives of a broad popular demand, urging Kalu to prioritise a governorship bid as a pathway to accelerated development in the state.
In his response, Kalu expressed appreciation for the show of confidence but stopped short of declaring his intention. He said he would consult widely before making a final decision.
He linked the appeal to the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda and its emphasis on strengthening sub-national governance.
Kalu acknowledged that the purchase of the nomination forms signaled a strong call for him to step into the race, adding that he would announce his position within days after consultations.
He also stressed the need for unity within the APC, noting that the party’s success in Abia would depend on the collective commitment of its members.
Kalu’s potential entry into the 2027 governorship contest has been a subject of increasing political speculation over the past year. As a ranking lawmaker since 2019 and now Deputy Speaker, he has continued to expand his influence within both the APC and the wider South-East political landscape.
While he has yet to formally declare his ambition, the latest move by party stakeholders represents the most coordinated effort so far to draft him into the race.