The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South-East to strategically support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, arguing that such a move would significantly strengthen the political bargaining power of the Igbo within Nigeria’s power structure.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, made the call on Monday during a series of courtesy visits across Abia North, Abia Central and Abia South senatorial zones. The tour, according to him, was part of efforts to consolidate the All Progressives Congress (APC) structures ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker said the shortest path to an Igbo presidency lies in building strong political alliances, particularly through deliberate alignment with the ruling party and support for the incumbent President.
He stressed that votes should be treated as political investments capable of yielding tangible dividends, rather than being expended on sentimental considerations.
“If you carry your vote and dump it where it does not count towards success, you have wasted your opportunity to go to the negotiation table,” Kalu said.
“What you play politics with is numbers, not sentiment. The vote we have in our hands is the currency for investment.”
According to him, supporting President Tinubu’s re-election would deepen trust, promote inclusion and ensure reciprocity, thereby positioning the South-East more favourably ahead of future political transitions.
“President Bola Tinubu is where we should invest our votes, and it will count. That is the political reality today,” he said, urging Igbo leaders and voters to set aside emotions and focus on strategic outcomes.
Kalu also echoed President Tinubu’s New Year message calling on political leaders to promote unity, inclusiveness and sustained engagement across party lines, stressing that internal cohesion remains critical to national stability.
“Leaders at all levels must reach out to one another, put aside divisive tendencies and work collectively to build a stronger, more cohesive party and nation,” he added.
During the tour, the Deputy Speaker paid courtesy visits to former Abia State Governor and ex-Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Senator John Nwannunu; and former Managing Director of the defunct Hallmark Bank and APC chieftain, Sir Mac Wabara, among other party elders.
According to the statement, discussions during the meetings focused on party unity, grassroots mobilisation and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Kalu also presented his two-year legislative scorecard to the elder statesmen and invited them to assess his performance.
“I believe leadership must be subjected to scrutiny. I asked them to assess what I have done so far so I can do better,” he said.
He further charged party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the era of merely negotiating for 25 per cent of presidential votes in Abia State was over. According to him, the APC now has the structure, momentum and political capital to deliver outright victory for President Tinubu in the state in 2027.
Kalu expressed confidence that renewed unity and growing grassroots support have positioned the party for electoral success.
Commending the Deputy Speaker, the elder statesmen praised his legislative performance, describing his interventions at the National Assembly as impactful and people-oriented.
