The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, on Sunday, flagged off Renewed Hope Partners, a socio-political mobilisation group, in Bende, Abia State. The group is tasked with promoting President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda in the South-East.
Speaking at the launch held in Bende Local Government Area, Kalu said the initiative aims to reposition the South-East within Nigeria’s political mainstream and called on the region to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda not merely as beneficiaries but as active partners in national progress.
Describing the group as a “movement of purpose, unity, and national transformation,” he highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity through key appointments, including the Minister of Works and the leadership of the Inland Waterways Authority.
“President Tinubu believes in unity. He’s shown that in action,” Kalu said, urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and resist politicians who seek to mislead ahead of the 2027 elections. “Don’t be deceived. Defend the Renewed Hope Mandate,” he added.
Kalu described Abia as the launchpad of the initiative, with plans to expand across the South-East and the country. He also presented a cheque of ₦500 million to support mass mobilisation, grassroots engagement, and voter education.
Abia APC Chairman, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, noted that the initiative would align closely with the party and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, while commending Kalu for reinforcing democratic values.
Representatives of the APC National Working Committee, including the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emmanuel Onyeukwu, lauded Tinubu’s policies and stated that the president’s leadership had delivered tangible democratic dividends nationwide. The recent defection of South-South governors to the APC, they said, reflects growing national confidence in his leadership.
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In a series of goodwill messages, regional stakeholders expressed their support for Kalu and Tinubu. Former Abia Speaker Chief Emeka Stanley described Kalu as a “beacon of hope for the Igbo nation,” while Chief Charles Ogbonnaya called his mobilisation effort “historic.” Chief Cosmos Ndukwe praised Tinubu’s inclusive policies and referenced the revival of Gowon’s 3Rs, Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation.
On behalf of the women, former legislator Blessing Nwagba thanked the president for prioritising female inclusion in national governance.
Earlier, Rev Emmanuel Eke, Coordinator of the Benjamin Kalu Movement, praised Kalu’s leadership in advancing the Southeast Development Commission and Peace in the Southeast Project. He encouraged Renewed Hope Partners to bring innovation and collective energy to reshape the region’s political future.
The event also witnessed the defection of Charles Onu, a Young Progressives Party chieftain in Abia, who cited Tinubu’s achievements in the South-East as his reason for joining the APC.
