The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the South East region will deliver over 70 per cent of its votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Mr Kalu made this known while addressing a gathering at Ntalakwu in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Atuma Grace Movement, a political platform led by former federal lawmaker Chief Emeka Atuma.
He stated that such electoral support would serve as a show of appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the region. Referencing the post-civil war promise of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration made by the Yakubu Gowon regime — a promise he said was never fulfilled. Mr Kalu noted that President Tinubu had kept that commitment through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
While addressing the audience, Mr Kalu, who was also conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dike Eji Aga Mba” (meaning “The People’s Warrior”) by the traditional ruler of Ntalakwu Ancient Kingdom, King Larry, reaffirmed the region’s continued support for the Tinubu administration.
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He also officially welcomed a number of prominent individuals from the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Notable among the new members were retired Major Akubundu Awa; three-time Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Wisdom Ogbonna; former President General of the Oboro Community Welfare Association, Chief Kingsley Uwa; and a former Education Secretary of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Sir Uche Nwachukwu.
“No other President has remembered the post-war promises made to the Igbo people like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For over fifty years, successive administrations failed to act, but President Tinubu created the SEDC and signed the bill into law, even in the face of scepticism. He has also funded it. He truly loves Ndi Igbo, and we, the Igbo, always remember those who stand with us,” Kalu stated.
“We are pledging 70 to 80 percent of Igbo votes for President Tinubu in 2027. Let us continue to uphold peace and unity,” he added.
Reacting to reports that traditional rulers in Abia State were allegedly warned against welcoming federal officials, Mr Kalu criticised the development as undemocratic and not reflective of good governance.
“I heard that traditional rulers were instructed not to welcome the Deputy Speaker or attend any event that promotes President Tinubu. That is unacceptable. The elections are over — this is a time for governance. Leadership should allow room for freedom of association and expression,” he remarked.
He appealed to those issuing such directives to respect the traditional rulers’ rights and allow them to engage freely in civic functions.
Earlier, Chief Emeka Atuma welcomed the Deputy Speaker, praising him as the APC’s leading figure in Abia State. “Your presence here is not a coincidence. As a proud son of Abia and Nigeria, this is your day. We will celebrate you and no one else, because you represent leadership at the highest level,” Atuma said.
He also expressed disappointment that some traditional rulers were dissuaded from attending the event, but appreciated those who still made an appearance.
