By Oluwakemi Kindness
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says Abia State must align with the ruling All Progressives Congress to benefit more from the Federal Government.
Kalu spoke on Wednesday while receiving APC governorship aspirant, Eric Opah, at his country home in Bende, Abia State.
According to a statement on Thursday by Levinus Nwabughiogu, his Chief Press Secretary, Kalu said Abia has remained “too far from the centre” and has lost several opportunities by staying outside mainstream politics.
“The party at the centre has access to resources Abians should benefit from. Abia is too far from the centre. We can come closer,” he said.
Kalu also declared that the APC is determined to take over Abia State in the 2027 governorship election.
He urged party aspirants not to give up on their ambitions, despite speculations linking him to the governorship race.
“Anybody who has picked a form should keep pushing. Don’t give up because Benjamin Kalu is not running for governor,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker said his earlier statement that “APC will take Abia” was not about personal ambition but about repositioning the state politically.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting true federalism and empowering states through increased federal support.
Kalu further advised the APC to retain its governorship ticket in Abia Central Senatorial District to preserve the state’s zoning arrangement and political stability.
He disclosed that former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Henry Ikoh, and Mascot Uzor-Kalu had also informed him of their governorship ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
