Make Kalu Abia consensus governorship candidate – APC lawmaker

The member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jr, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help make the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, the sole All Progressives Congress candidate for Abia governorship election for 2027 elections.

Erondu made the appeal in his Umuaro country home in the Obingwa Local Government Area during an empowerment initiative he organised as part of activities marking his birthday celebration.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his support for Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, while appealing to the President to “please allow the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to return to Abia State to contest the 2027 governorship election as the sole candidate of the coalition aimed at repositioning the state for greater development”.

Erondu said the empowerment programme reflects his commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of his constituents through sustainable opportunities and stressed “supporting youths, women and vulnerable groups remains central to my vision for grassroots development”.

He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items to expand their businesses and support their families.

In his speech, Kalu, who was represented by his campaign Director General, Rev. Emma Eke, noted that empowerment initiatives like the one organised by Erondu Jnr help reduce youth restiveness by creating economic opportunities and promoting self-reliance.

In his remarks, a former deputy governor of Abia State, Chris Alozie Akomas, commended the lawmaker’s efforts and announced additional financial support for individuals and groups from different local government areas.

Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Chijioke Chukwu, described Erondu Jnr as a committed leader dedicated to the development of his people, while the chairman on the occasion, Dee Sam Nkire, described him as a compassionate leader who consistently supports the underprivileged.

Others in attendance included a former Abia State governor, now Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Nkechi Ikpeazu, a former Senator representing Abia Central, Nkechi Nwaogu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Chidiebere Ihenyirimmadu, and the Chairman of Chairmen (PDP) in the area, Emeka Onyenso, among others.