Abia 2027: Kalu Hints at Governorship Bid, Picks Venue for Response

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has signalled openness to contesting the Abia State governorship in 2027, saying he will respond to mounting calls from constituents and stakeholders “at the right time.”

Kalu made this known while addressing supporters from his Bende Federal Constituency during an Easter visit, where he received what he described as a “pleasant and organic” show of support urging him to vie for the state’s top office.

According to him, the calls to contest have come from various communities across Abia State, including Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa, Isiukwuato, Osisioma, Ohafia, Ukwa, and other local government areas.

“For the request, I’d like you to wait for my invitation and it will be in Umuahia, the State Capital where I’ll respond to you. Whether my answer is a yes or no, you will be invited in the coming days. I say so because Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa, Isiukwuato, Osisioma, Ohafia, Ukwa and all other LGAs are coming with the same request and so I can’t respond LG by LG so we will invite all to the event. I’ll make the pronouncement at the Capital of our State and I’m sure you will be happy.”

He explained that due to the widespread nature of the requests, he would not respond to each group individually but would instead make a unified announcement in the state capital.

“For every time I’ve fought, you have always prepared me, given me a traditional title and your blessings, and each time I’ve gone with those blessings, I’ve always won,” Kalu said.

“I’m not afraid. I’m prepared to listen to what you have said, and I’ll come back with a decision soon.”

He added that all stakeholders would be invited to Umuahia, where he intends to formally declare his position. “Whether my answer is yes or no, you will be invited in the coming days. I will make the pronouncement at the capital of our state, and I’m sure you will be happy,” he assured.

Reflecting on the reception he received in Bende, Kalu expressed surprise at the turnout, noting that he had only returned home to celebrate Easter with his constituents.

“I was not expecting this reception. I had already lined up activities for the day, not knowing you had prepared a surprise for me,” he said. “It’s inspiring because it’s coming from the grassroots, from the people whom I represent, my own federal constituency who said they want me to go higher. It means that you are a prophet who’s honoured in your own hometown.”

He emphasised that the gathering was not sponsored, recounting how he was unaware of the event’s purpose until shortly before his arrival.

“I didn’t spend any money on this gathering. Five minutes before I walked in, I asked what the agenda was, and they told me ‘don’t worry, when you get there, you will see,” he said.

Kalu expressed gratitude to his constituents for their continued support since he assumed office in 2019, noting that their endorsement was a testament to his performance.

“If I didn’t do well, you wouldn’t be here to surprise me,” he stated. “I’m glad I have not failed the people of Bende.”

He assured Abians that his eventual decision would be made in their best interest. “By the time I make a decision, you will laugh,” he said.