Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of sweeping support from the South East in the 2027 presidential election, promising that the region will deliver over 70 percent of its votes in appreciation for his developmental strides.
Kalu made the declaration on Friday during a grand civic reception held in his honour at Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The event was organized by the Atuma Grace Movement, led by former federal lawmaker Chief Emeka Atuma.
Highlighting Tinubu’s approval of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Kalu praised the president for fulfilling promises made over five decades ago during Nigeria’s post-civil war reconstruction period.
“No other President has remembered the promise made to the Igbo people after the war like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fifty years passed, administrations came and went, but none fulfilled those promises until now. President Tinubu took it upon himself to respond to those needs by establishing and funding the South East Development Commission,” Kalu said.
He added, “He signed the SEDC bill into law despite skepticism. He loves Ndi Igbo, and we Igbos remember those who love us. We are promising the President 70 to 80 percent of votes from Igboland. Let us continue to be a people of peace and unity.”
In recognition of his service, Kalu was conferred with the chieftaincy title Dike Eji Aga Mba (The People’s Warrior) by King Larry, the traditional ruler of the ancient Ntalakwu kingdom in Ikwuano Oboro.
The event also featured the official defection of several prominent figures from the Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Among them were retired Major Akubundu Awa; Chief Wisdom Ogbonna, a three-time majority leader in the Abia State House of Assembly; Chief Kingsley Uwa, former President General of Oboro Community Welfare Association; and Chief Sir Uche Nwachukwu, a former Education Secretary of Ikwuano LGA.
Addressing the political atmosphere in Abia, Kalu decried reports of pressure on traditional rulers to boycott the event, describing it as a threat to democratic expression.
“I heard the cry of the traditional rulers who said they were instructed not to receive the Deputy Speaker,” he said. “This kind of directive—preventing them from welcoming federal government officials or attending events promoting President Tinubu—is not good governance. Elections are over; this is the time for leadership and development.”
He urged the Abia State government to respect traditional authorities and allow them to associate freely: “Abia State should be free for everyone to express their political alignment without intimidation.”
Chief Emeka Atuma, in his welcome remarks, hailed Kalu’s leadership and described the event as a turning point for the APC in Abia.
“Deputy Speaker, your presence in Ikwuano today is significant. You are the APC leader in Abia State. We’re on a journey to greater heights and will celebrate our victories together. Despite challenges, we will not be distracted,” Atuma said.
