Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has promised to respond to the calls of Abians to run for governor in 2027 general elections, saying he will make it public soon.
Kalu who made the statement at a gathering of APC stakeholders and supporters in Umuahia, Abia State capital on Sunday, urged them to stay tuned for his official announcement.
The stakeholders from Abia South, Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Districts had earlier endorsed him for the office of Governor of the State, expressing confidence in him to rescue Abia State and pursue inclusive governance and even development of the State.
Kalu said that he had previously received similar calls from the 17 local government areas, expressing gratitude for the endorsement.
He however vowed to share his response with a wider audience soon.
He said: “On your request to me to contest for Governor, I have received same request from several local governments, my response is going to be made available in few weeks time.
“I want to thank you for finding me worthy. I will give my response to a larger body in the open where everyone who is not in this room will hear us. I will respond to your request. When that response comes, you will be happy.
“Make sure when I invite you, come with those who are running for House of Assembly, Reps and senate. That day, we will give them the platform to address our party people across Abia.”
The Deputy Speaker also emphasized the party’s priority to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging all hands to be on deck.
“I greet everyone that came from various local governments today, everyone that supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Renewed Hope Agenda. May God bless you all.
“Everyone that wants the state to be good, will enjoy the fruit of their labour. President Tinubu loves and supports us so we will give back to him.
“The number one agenda is to make sure that the mandate of the President is renewed in 2027”.
Some stakeholders who spoke at the meeting emphasized Kalu’s competence, calling for more support across the State, saying that rhe Deputy Speaker will turn around the fortunes of the State when elected the governor in 2027.
Signed:
Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Federal Republic of Nigeria
