The people of the Bende Federal Constituency in Abia have said that the re-election of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is non-negotiable because while others were busy displaying empowerment without a foundation, Kalu was busy training, equipping, and funding thousands of young people to become entrepreneurs who will, in turn, build businesses that will sustain their families and grow the economy of Bende.
Trooping out in their numbers for a recent solidarity march, the constituents said that the only thing currently delaying the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives’ re-election is the fact that the election has not yet taken place.
According to the constituents, Kalu’s re-election is non-negotiable, considering his numerous achievements that have completely transformed the Federal Constituency through quality representation that can be seen and felt by all.
Chanting solidarity songs, the constituents from the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency acknowledged the Deputy Speaker’s achievements in their various wards and assured him of their votes in the 2027 elections.
The constituents said that as the representative of Bende at the Federal House of Representatives, Kalu did not just go there to speak grammar or hide from the real work. According to them, he is busy building both infrastructure and the people.
They recalled the support he gave to Bende women with grants and skills that turned their kitchens into businesses, as well as how Bende farmers and students were supported with inputs and scholarships necessary to keep them going.
Stressing that they are filled with the spirit of celebration in anticipation of casting their votes, the constituents noted that while walls have been built for schools, Benjamin Kalu in Bende is building a huge ecosystem of learning through the supply of learning materials.
“From what we’re seeing, Benjamin Kalu is not among those who will construct classroom blocks and end it there. He knows the plights of the people, and as you can see, his educational intervention includes the distribution of learning materials across schools in Bende, which will ensure that our children don’t just have a classroom to sit in, but have the tools to learn, compete, and thrive in a digital world.
“This is what I call building the future of Bende. From physical infrastructure to educational empowerment and interventions, the Deputy Speaker’s style of representation is visible, valuable, and verifiable. So, when our people tell the world that his re-election is non-negotiable, they know what they’re saying and why they’re saying it.
“It’s not just about politics. It’s a form of gratitude and a call to do more because we’re having a lifetime of experience that we’re not willing to trade for any experiment on the altar of politics,” a constituent, Ugo Obinna, said.
Some of the constituents further stressed that one of the outstanding things about Kalu is that he sees the people beyond party logos and colours.
In the words of a Bende constituent, Joshua Izunwa, most Bende people are now feeling representation beyond political rhetoric or a little road construction here and there. He described Kalu as a builder that history will forever be kind to.
“Yes, he’s a member and a leader in the APC, but here, we can only see our brother, our son, and our representative who welcomes and treats everyone equally.
“He doesn’t care if you’re PDP, APC, APGA, LP, etc.; he extends his projects and empowerments across Bende without looking at the party, and I guess that has even helped in strengthening the APC in Bende, as his attitude is the biggest gospel and invitation to join him.
“Go across Bende Federal Constituency, you’ll see the soft spot everyone has for the APC, then look behind, and you’ll see Benjamin Kalu. I’m not a member of his party, but I can’t go against him in this election; he’s a leader who is worth the loyalty.
“The man doesn’t need to disturb himself much about campaigns. Our people have seen him bring the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, to us. Are we even forgetting the bill for the Federal College of Nursing, FMC, in Nkpa?
“So, what convincing tool will anyone use to make Bende people think otherwise? For me, we’re not only going to re-elect him, but it’s going to be a massive one because he has done incredibly well.”
The constituents added that the victory of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in the 2027 election will go down in history as one that every politician should learn from and focus on working for the people, who will in turn show their solidarity no matter who stands in the way.
