There are indications that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has bowed out of the Abia State governorship race and returned to the contest for the Bende Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalu was reportedly sighted before the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee for the House of Representatives primaries, a development that has stirred fresh debate within political circles in Abia State.
Key Highlights
- Benjamin Kalu has reportedly withdrawn from the Abia governorship race.
- He is said to have returned to contesting the Bende Federal Constituency seat for 2027.
- His appearance at APC screening for House of Representatives primaries fueled the speculation.
- He had earlier planned to challenge Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 election.
- The shift is seen as a major change in APC’s governorship strategy in Abia State.
The lawmaker had earlier declared interest in challenging incumbent Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in the 2027 governorship election, positioning himself as a key contender in the state’s emerging political realignments.
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His renewed focus on returning to the National Assembly race has triggered mixed reactions among APC supporters and analysts, with questions being raised over what may have informed the sudden shift in ambition.
Political observers suggest the move could significantly alter the APC’s strategic calculations in Abia State, especially as attention now turns to who the party may eventually present as its governorship candidate for the 2027 polls.
