Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that a strategic political alliance between Nigeria’s Southeast and Southwest regions offers the most realistic path to the emergence of an Igbo president. He made this assertion during a series of high level consultations across Abia State’s three senatorial zones Abia North, Central, and South.
Speaking during meetings with elder statesmen and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu emphasized that political success is driven by numbers rather than emotions. According to him, votes are the true currency in politics, and regions must invest them wisely to gain influence at the national negotiating table.
Kalu argued that the Southeast must adopt a pragmatic approach by sustaining its support for the Southwest, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said such consistency would help build trust, inclusion, and reciprocity, positioning the region more favorably for the presidency in the future. He warned that allowing sentiment to undermine southern unity would weaken the Southeast’s political leverage.
During his tour, the Deputy Speaker met with prominent political figures, including former Abia State governor and ex-Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator John Bob Nwannunu, and APC chieftain Sir Mac Wabara. Discussions focused on strengthening party cohesion, aligning stakeholders, and mobilising grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalu noted that President Tinubu had directed APC leaders nationwide to intensify engagement, promote reconciliation, and deepen unity within the party. He described the current period as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to inclusive governance.
Praising President Tinubu’s leadership, Kalu said the administration has demonstrated fairness in governance and project allocation across regions. He described the president as decisive and receptive, adding that early policy decisions were already yielding positive results.
The Deputy Speaker also presented his two-year legislative scorecard to party leaders and elder statesmen, inviting open assessment of his performance. He stressed that leadership should be subject to scrutiny to ensure accountability and improvement.
Elder statesmen at the meetings reportedly commended Kalu’s performance and pledged continued support for the APC. Kalu expressed confidence that the party now has the structure and momentum to secure stronger electoral outcomes in Abia State and beyond ahead of 2027.
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