Leaders and stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State have appealed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to contest the governorship position in the upcoming 2027 election.
DrumAfricanews learnt that this latest appeal from Isiala-Ngwa forms part of a broader movement within the bloc, one of the most influential political blocs in Abia, where community leaders have openly endorsed Kalu as their preferred candidate.
The appeal was made during the official inauguration of the “Ikeoha Movement” and the declaration of interest by Chief Sir Uzoma Ihuka to be the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives, representing Isiala Ngwa Federal Constituency.
Responding to the widespread calls for him to run for governor, Kalu acknowledged the growing support from various parts of the state, including Bende and Obingwa.
He appreciated the confidence reposed in him but stated that he would make his official decision known in due course.
He further explained that such a significant declaration would be made at the appropriate constitutional venue, the Abia State capital, Umuahia, where the mandate of governorship is centred.
He assured supporters that in the coming days, a formal invitation would be extended to stakeholders across the state to converge in Umuahia, where he would respond collectively to the calls regarding his governorship ambition.
Kalu said, “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, the right jurisdiction to exercise the power of the office of the governor, and that is not in any other place but Umuahia.
“It will not be in Isialangwa. It will not be in Obingwa or Aba. It will be in Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in a 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.”
The Deputy Speaker, while speaking further, expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a unifying force that has strengthened the APC across the country.
Kalu noted that while other political parties continue to struggle with internal crises, the APC remains focused, stable, and committed to delivering progress for Nigerians.
The Deputy Speaker said that the level of development currently being experienced under the APC federal government is only a glimpse of greater achievements ahead, particularly for Abia State.
DrumAfricanews reports that the event witnessed a significant influx of defectors from opposition parties, especially the Labour Party, who cited renewed hope, purposeful leadership, and visible progress within the APC as reasons for their decision to join the ruling party.
The defectors were formally received and declared members of the APC, marking a major boost for the party’s grassroots strength in Isiala Ngwa with the new entrants.
Kalu also assured the new members of inclusive governance and people-orientated leadership and stressed that the APC is committed to going beyond campaign promises by directly engaging communities, identifying their needs, and implementing practical solutions that will improve livelihoods across the state.
