- Kalu concluded by calling for openness to new party members, insisting that political growth depends on inclusion
- Kalu maintained that supporting Tinubu’s re-election would help build trust between the South-East and other regions
- He argued that the South-East must adopt a coordinated political strategy if it hopes to negotiate effectively for federal appointments
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to political leaders and voters in Southern Nigeria, especially the South-East, to rally behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, stressing that unity is crucial for the region’s relevance in national politics.
Speaking at the South-East All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting held in Enugu on Saturday, Eko Hot Blog reports that Kalu warned that internal divisions could further marginalise the zone and weaken its influence at the centre.
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He argued that the South-East must adopt a coordinated political strategy if it hopes to negotiate effectively for federal appointments, projects, and policy considerations, noting that fragmented voting patterns only diminish the region’s leverage.
Kalu urged politicians and voters to be pragmatic in their choices, describing politics as a numbers-driven process rather than an emotional exercise, and advised the region to align with political forces capable of winning at the national level.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker said the current political climate demands cooperation and strategic alliances, particularly within the APC, to stabilise governance and strengthen the party’s national outlook.
According to him, President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated resolve through bold reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, policies he described as painful but necessary steps toward long-term economic stability.
Kalu maintained that supporting Tinubu’s re-election would help build trust between the South-East and other regions, especially the South-West, laying the groundwork for greater inclusion in national decision-making.
He cautioned against political actors who promote isolationist narratives, warning that such approaches could further reduce the South-East’s bargaining strength in future elections.
The lawmaker also commended APC governors in the region for their efforts in expanding the party’s structure and urged party officials at all levels to intensify grassroots mobilisation and membership registration.
He emphasised that growing party membership and voter registration would directly translate into increased delegate strength, stronger negotiation power, and better positioning for the region within the APC.
Kalu concluded by calling for openness to new party members, insisting that political growth depends on inclusion, active mobilisation, and ensuring that supporters are fully prepared to participate in elections.
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