In a significant boost to the 2027 Abia State governorship race, leaders and stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency have formally endorsed Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as their preferred candidate for Governor of Abia State.
The endorsement was announced today during the inauguration of the Ikeoha Movement and the declaration of interest by Uzoma Ihuka to contest the Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Ngwa bloc, a key political stronghold in Abia State, described the move as part of a growing wave of support across the state for Kalu’s leadership.
Stakeholders hailed the Deputy Speaker as “a unifying figure with the proven capacity to reposition Abia State for sustainable development, economic growth, and inclusive governance.” They cited his track record of effective representation, federal connections, and commitment to translating national policies into tangible benefits for Abia people as key reasons for their endorsement.
Speaking during the event, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu acknowledged the mounting pressure from various parts of the state, including Bende, Obingwa, and now the Ngwa bloc.
He stated: “I am now in Isialangwa, and they’re saying, come and run for governor. The same way I answered the people of Bende, the same way I answered the people of Obingwa, is the same way I will answer you. I have received your request for me to run for governor of Abia State, but I will respond. I will respond in the coming days because I don’t want to do it local government by local government. I want to invite all of you to the capital. When we talk about governorship, when we talk about leading the people of Abia State, there is only one place the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has listed as the right place… Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in few days to come. All of you will come in your numbers and make that request again there at the state capital. When I hear it clearly on that day, I will respond.”
Kalu also reaffirmed his confidence in the APC’s direction under President Bola Tinubu, noting that the party remains focused on delivering good governance while other parties grapple with internal crises.
The endorsement adds to intensifying calls from across Abia for the Deputy Speaker to throw his hat into the ring, signaling a potentially competitive 2027 contest against the incumbent administration.