A former Abia State Commissioner for Information and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Don Ubani, has debunked claims circulating in some media outlets suggesting that the Ukwa La Ngwa APC delegation urged Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to run for Abia State Governorship in 2027.
In a statement published on Tuesday titled “A Sincere Thank You Visit That Should Not Be Misconstrued”, Ubani clarified that the delegation’s visit to the Deputy Speaker was purely an expression of gratitude for his support and contributions to the Ukwa and Ngwa communities.
Ubani explained that Kalu had played a pivotal role in facilitating key political appointments for sons of Ukwa and Ngwa, including Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, Dr. Emeka Wogu, and Hon. Chris Nkwonta. He also commended Kalu for appointing Levinus Nwabughiogu, an Ukwa La Ngwa indigene, as his Chief Press Secretary and for recommending the upgrade of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages in Aba to a full-fledged Federal University.
According to Ubani, “The worst description that can be stamped on a people is to label them as ingrates. The people of Ukwa La Ngwa in APC thought it was morally compelling to go and thank the Rt Honourable Speaker for his uncommon benevolence to their kinsmen and area”.
He emphasized that during the visit, no member of the delegation called on Kalu to contest the 2027 Abia Governorship election. “The speakers only focused on gratitude to their benefactor. They, also, like the legendary Oliver Twist, asked for more. No speaker ever asked Rt. Hon. Kalu to come and contest Governorship election in 2027.”
He further criticized those spreading the claim, stating, “It is, therefore, unfortunate that some individuals who were not part of the delegation and who failed to make any honest enquiry on what really transpired have either ignorantly or mischievously given the visit an entirely different connotation”.
Ubani also confirmed that Kalu, during the meeting, never declared any intention to run for governor of Abia State.
