14 hours Ago By Torkwase Nyiekaa
ABUJA – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honourable Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has expressed confidence that the South East will deliver more than 70 percent of its votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Kalu stated that the projected overwhelming support for President Tinubu would be in appreciation of his administration’s commitment to the development of the region, particularly through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC). He made the remarks on Friday at Ntalakwu, in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, during a grand reception organized in his honour by the Atuma Grace Movement — a political group led by former lawmaker, Chief Emeka Atuma.
Highlighting the historical context, Kalu recalled that following the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, the Federal Government under then Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, had promised reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration for the South East, a promise he said remained largely unfulfilled for over five decades. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally answered the call by signing into law the South East Development Commission bill.
He did what others failed to do for over 50 years. The President not only signed the bill but also provided funding for the Commission,” Kalu said. “No other President has taken this bold step.
President Tinubu has shown he loves Ndi Igbo, and we, in turn, will show that we remember those who care for us. We are promising him 70 to 80 percent of our votes in 2027.” During the event, Kalu also received several political decampees from the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among them were Retired Major Akubundu Awa; three-time Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Wisdom Ogbonna; former President-General of the Oboro Community Welfare Association, Chief Kingsley Uwa; and former Education Secretary of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Sir Uche Nwachukwu. In recognition of his leadership and service, Kalu was honoured with a traditional chieftaincy title, “Dike Eji Aga Mba”, meaning “The People’s Warrior”, by the monarch of Ntalakwu Ancient Kingdom, King Larry. Addressing growing concerns over reported political interference with traditional rulers in the state, Kalu condemned efforts to prevent royal fathers from participating in events involving federal officials from Abia.
“We heard that traditional rulers were instructed not to welcome representatives of the Federal Government or attend events associated with President Tinubu. This is not the governance Abia needs. Elections are over.
Now is the time for inclusive leadership,” he said. Kalu called on state authorities to desist from intimidating traditional leaders and allow them the freedom to engage with all arms of government. “Those threatening our traditional rulers should stop.
Let them freely express the will of the people. Abia must remain open for everyone to associate politically without fear,” he added. Earlier, Chief Emeka Atuma described Kalu’s visit as symbolic, reaffirming the growing strength of the APC in Abia State.
“Your presence in Ikwuano today is no coincidence. You are our leader at the pinnacle of APC leadership in Abia. We are on a journey to greater heights, and nothing will distract us,” Atuma said.
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