ADC Chieftain Warns Deputy Speaker Against Alleged Plans to Rig South-East Votes for Tinubu in 2027

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Adolphus Ude, has warned the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, against any attempt to manipulate electoral outcomes in the South-East in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ude issued the warning in a press release on Wednesday, reacting to comments attributed to Kalu, who recently urged Igbo voters to support President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, made the remarks during a public engagement in Abia last Sunday.

Kalu had advised voters in the South-East not to be “sentimental” with their votes, urging them instead to be strategic and pragmatic in their political choices. According to him, votes should be “invested” where they would count towards political relevance and access to the negotiating table at the national level.

“If you carry your votes and dump it where it does not count towards success, you have wasted your opportunity to go to the negotiating table. Why do we ask for dividends if we have not made any investments?” Kalu was quoted as saying.

Reacting strongly, Ude, who is also the National Coordinator of ADC Like-Minds, described the Deputy Speaker’s comments as irresponsible, reckless, and provocative. He declared the five states of the South-East a “no-go area” for election riggers during the 2027 polls, warning that any attempt to subvert the will of the people would be resisted.

Ude accused Kalu of insulting Ndigbo and challenged him to publicly outline what he has attracted to Abia State and the wider South-East since becoming Deputy Speaker. He also faulted Kalu’s call for political alliances between the South-East and South-West, arguing that historical experiences show repeated betrayals of the region.

The ADC chieftain recalled events during and after the Nigerian civil war, as well as more recent incidents following the 2023 elections, where Igbo-owned properties were reportedly targeted in Lagos. He questioned Kalu’s silence on issues such as the demolition of Igbo properties, the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the exclusion of the South-East from major infrastructure projects, and the concentration of seaports in Lagos.

Ude further accused the Tinubu administration of deepening Igbo marginalisation through the distribution of infrastructure and political appointments, insisting that the South-East has no reason to support the President in 2027.

He also stressed that the forthcoming governorship election in Enugu State must be transparent and reflective of the will of the people, warning against the emergence of another government that would impose policies perceived as anti-people.

Ude concluded by urging political leaders to respect democratic principles and allow the electorate to freely determine their future, warning that any attempt to undermine the process could have serious consequences for national stability.