2027: Group buys APC governorship forms for Kalu

A group of political stakeholders on Saturday purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.

The delegation formally presented the forms to Kalu in Abuja, saying their decision was informed by his record in public service and leadership at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, James Uko-Kalu, described the lawmaker as a unifying figure whose performance in the National Assembly has marked him out as a capable leader.

“We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,” he said.

He added that Kalu’s leadership style has inspired a new generation of political actors.

“I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,” he noted.

A retired major general from Abia Central, Jack Nwaogbu, commended Kalu for efforts to rebuild cohesion within the APC in Abia and the wider South-East.

He said the party, which struggled with internal divisions during the 2023 general elections, has recently shown signs of recovery.

“In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,” he said.

Also speaking, Uzo Azubuike of Abia South Senatorial District described the delegation as “messengers of the people,” conveying what he called a broad-based appeal for Kalu to enter the race.

Azubuike urged him to prioritise the governorship ambition, arguing that his leadership presents a pathway to accelerated development in the state.

Responding, Kalu thanked the group for the show of confidence and said he would consult widely before taking a decision.

“You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.

“The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.

“I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,” he said.

Kalu’s possible entry into the 2027 governorship race has been the subject of growing political discussion in Abia over the past year.

A ranking member of the House since 2019 and now Deputy Speaker, he has steadily expanded his influence within both the APC and the South-East political landscape.

Kalu has not publicly declared his ambition, but Saturday’s development is the clearest indication yet of an organised push by stakeholders to draft him into the race.