…Rallies Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has told former Abia State APC aspirants that their participation in the last party primaries was not in vain, describing them as critical stakeholders whose sacrifices remain “priceless” to the party’s future.
Speaking at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu commended the courage of all aspirants who purchased nomination forms for various elective offices, stressing that the very step to contest was itself a form of recognition.
He said: “You didn’t fail. You stepped forward to be recognized and this is the commencement of your recognition. It’s not about the money you spent but availability. You made yourself available for the party. That is priceless and for that I want to say thank you.”
The Deputy Speaker dismissed the notion that aspirants who didn’t clinch tickets had failed.
He framed their participation as the start of a larger reward system within the APC, emphasizing that their boldness and financial commitment would not go unnoticed.
“For the fact that you bought your form for whatever level to participate in the growth of this party, you will never go unblessed,” he stated. “All of you here are amongst the first eleven because we are going to position you”, he said.
Kalu pointed to the surge of interest in APC tickets as proof of the party’s rising profile in the state.
The Deputy Speaker credited the aspirants for staying committed despite the limited slots, saying their presence proved they recognized APC as the platform for Ndi Igbo’s political growth.
“I said so because before now, this party was not this enticing. The longing and hunger for the ticket of this party was not this robust and inviting. But look around you and see the energy and the surge into our party. That you are remaining here means you understand the times.
“The courage you had to step out, that boldness, willingness to spend money and time, called for meetings, those are the elements that add to the wall of building our party. It may not have gone the way you wanted but we are watching you. We are seeing that leadership spirit in you”.
The Deputy Speaker tied the aspirants’ future directly to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, insisting the President is counting on the State.
He challenged stakeholders to prove themselves at the polls.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is coming back for second term, by Gods Grace. The President is expecting a lot from Abia State. Are we going to fail Mr. President? We will not.
“Whether you like it or not, in the coming election, we must prove ourselves. We must make a statement. You cannot make that statement with double mindedness.
“What you have done is labours of love. Faint not. Do not be weary because there is a harvest season. But this is only going to happen to those who are truthful”, Kalu said.
He urged aspirants to look beyond their immediate ambitions.
“You might be looking for House of Assembly, House of Representatives or the Senate. A very good ambition but the recognition that the party had put in place might catapult you beyond your dreams if you are consistent. It is not political talk”, he said.
While expressing regret that offices were limited, Kalu said the quality of men he had seen among the aspirants was capable of occupying those positions.
He however directed all candidates who emerged to reach out to those who did not get tickets for the good of the party.
“How I wished the offices were not limited. I will have not regret giving all of you turn tickets. The quality of men I have seen here, you are capable to occupy those positions. This is the fact. We will adjust and keep adjusting so that what we have will be enough for all of us.
“To every candidate, make sure you carry other aspirants along. Reach out to those who did not get tickets.
“All of you are very important to Mr. President. You are also very important to the guber candidate. You are very important to the party and you should be treated that way. Nothing more, nothing less.
“You are the backbone of this party. Don’t leave it for anybody. Own your party. We are going to have a structure and system that will keep you relevant. Take APC as your enterprise. You have already invested.
“Please, let us join our hands together for the greater good of Abia State and Nigeria,” Kalu said.
