Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was reached during a post-convention review meeting held on Sunday in Umuahia, with participants drawn from across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The resolution, contained in a communiqué presented by former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike, followed a unanimous voice vote by party executives, former lawmakers, current legislators, and other key figures within the party.
Attendees at the meeting, representing the three senatorial zones of the state, expressed confidence in Kalu’s leadership qualities and track record, which they said informed their decision to support his potential candidacy.
State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, commended members for their continued dedication to the party’s growth and unity. He assured that the party would provide a fair and transparent platform for all aspirants interested in contesting.
Chukwu also pointed to the party’s expanding base in Abia, noting a significant rise in membership from about 7,000 in 2023 to more than 160,000. He added that the party was setting ambitious targets, including mobilising between 800,000 and one million votes in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
In his remarks, Kalu expressed appreciation for the show of confidence by party stakeholders and urged members to remain committed to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
He acknowledged growing calls from across the local government areas urging him to run for governor but indicated that he would make his position known publicly in the coming weeks.
Kalu hinted that his formal response would be delivered at a larger gathering, where party members and aspirants for various elective positions would be present.
Notable figures at the meeting included former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Stanley Ohajuruka; former Senator representing Abia Central, Nkechi Nwogu; and APC National Vice-Chairman, Nyerere Anyim, among others.