Umuahia, Abia State – The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has for the first time publicly addressed the growing calls for him to contest the Abia State governorship election in 2027, stating that he is fully aware of the massive pressure from his supporters and will make his position known at the appropriate time.
Kalu made the disclosure on Tuesday during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting with political leaders, traditional rulers, elders, and constituents from his Bende Federal Constituency held in Abia State. The gathering, which attracted an overwhelming turnout, underscored the surging political momentum building around the Deputy Speaker ahead of the next off-cycle governorship election in the state.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Kalu described the groundswell of support as “organic and deeply touching,” noting that such encouragement has been a recurring feature throughout his political career. He appealed for patience, assuring his people that he remains in deep consultation and will soon communicate his final decision.
“You have always done this symbolic preparation and given me the blessings of our elders and the spirit of our land,” Kalu told the gathering. “And every time I have gone with your blessing, I have always won. I am not afraid. I am prepared to listen to what you have said. I will come back with a decision soon.”
The Deputy Speaker further revealed that whenever he decides to throw his hat into the ring, the formal declaration would be made in Umuahia, the state capital, in full compliance with constitutional provisions and democratic best practices.
The meeting took a culturally significant turn when community elders presented Kalu with a traditional machete and girdle — symbols widely recognised in Igbo political culture as endorsements of strength, readiness, and communal backing for leadership roles. Kalu received the items with gratitude, interpreting them as a profound affirmation of the confidence reposed in him.
Several influential stakeholders at the event openly threw their weight behind a possible Kalu governorship bid. Notable among them were Madukwe Ukaegbu, Abia State’s representative at the Public Complaints Commission, and Professor Hagler Okorie. Both leaders showered praises on Kalu’s legislative performance and leadership qualities.
“Bende people are gathered here today because we are proud of you, because you have shown capacity in your representation and we know that you will do better as governor,” Mr. Ukaegbu declared to loud applause.
Professor Okorie equally described Kalu as a transformative leader whose elevation to the number two position in the Green Chamber has brought tremendous visibility and development attention to Abia North Senatorial Zone.
Support groups from various wards and communities within Bende Constituency also displayed placards with messages such as “Benjamin Kalu for Governor 2027”, “Abia Needs a Tested Leader”, “Bende’s Pride, Abia’s Future”, and “Our Deputy Speaker is Our Governor-in-Waiting”.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who is currently serving his second term in the National Assembly, has risen rapidly through the ranks since his election into the House of Representatives. As Deputy Speaker, he has played a pivotal role in legislative stability and has been instrumental in several national interventions, including the South East Development Commission and various infrastructural initiatives targeting the South East geopolitical zone.
His potential entry into the Abia governorship race would significantly alter the political calculations in the state. Abia has struggled with governance challenges in recent years, and many residents are yearning for a leader with strong federal connections, proven administrative capacity, and youthful energy. Kalu, at a relatively young age for his current position, fits this profile for a large section of the electorate.
Political observers believe that Kalu’s decision will have far-reaching implications not only for Abia State but also for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East. Although Kalu is a member of the APC, his emergence could help the party strengthen its foothold in a region where it has historically struggled to gain dominance.
The Deputy Speaker’s careful approach — acknowledging the calls without rushing into a declaration — is being interpreted as strategic political maturity. Analysts say he is weighing critical factors including party zoning arrangements, internal APC dynamics in Abia, and the broader national political realignment currently taking place, especially with the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and others.
“Benjamin Kalu is one of the brightest political assets from the South East at the moment,” remarked Dr. Chinedu Ogbu, a political scientist at Abia State University. “His performance as Deputy Speaker has been impressive. If he contests and wins, he could bring a new governance paradigm to Abia State — one anchored on competence, federal leverage, and youth inclusion.”
As the 2027 election cycle gathers pace, Abia State is gradually becoming a major theatre of political activity. Incumbent Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party is expected to seek re-election, while other heavyweight politicians within the PDP and APC are also positioning themselves. Kalu’s possible candidature would add another layer of competitiveness to an already interesting race.
For now, supporters of the Deputy Speaker say they are ready to intensify mobilisation efforts across the 17 local government areas of Abia State once he gives the green light. Many believe his widely acknowledged humility, accessibility, and developmental strides at the constituency level position him as a strong contender capable of unifying the state.
Kalu, however, continues to emphasise service over ambition. In his remarks on Tuesday, he reiterated that any decision he takes will be guided by the interest of his people and the overall development of Abia State.
As anticipation builds, all eyes remain on Umuahia, where the Deputy Speaker has promised to formally announce his position. Until then, the political atmosphere in Abia State remains charged with speculation and expectation.
The symbolic presentation of the machete and girdle, the massive turnout at the Bende meeting, and the passionate endorsements have collectively sent a clear message: a significant section of Abia’s political class and grassroots is ready for Benjamin Kalu to take the next big step in his political journey.
Whether that step leads to the Government House in Umuahia in 2027 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the conversation has now been officially opened.
