Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, reportedly faced repeated chants of “Obi! Obi!” from a crowd during the Item Okpi Cultural Festival in Abia State after attempting to canvass support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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A video of the incident, which circulated widely on social media on Saturday, November 7, 2026, showed a large gathering at the cultural event chanting the name of Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, while Kalu addressed the audience.
Key Highlights
- Crowd repeatedly chants “Obi! Obi!” during Benjamin Kalu’s address in Abia.
- Deputy Speaker reportedly canvasses support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
- APC campaign song, “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” features during the event.
- Viral video sparks reactions from supporters of Peter Obi and critics of the APC.
- Social media users link the incident to growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Kalu has previously advocated political cooperation between the Southeast and the APC-led Federal Government.
Crowd Chants Obi’s Name During Tinubu Campaign
According to videos and posts shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kalu addressed attendees at the Item Okpi Festival and urged them to support President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the address, he reportedly led or prompted the singing of the APC campaign song, “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand.”
However, the gathering was heard repeatedly chanting “Obi! Obi!”, drawing attention to the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s political influence in the Southeast.
Some social media accounts described the incident as an embarrassing moment for the Deputy Speaker, claiming that the crowd’s chants overshadowed his campaign message.
Other posts alleged that the exchange involved a discussion about a proposed university project in Item, Bende Local Government Area, which Kalu has been associated with attracting.
One widely circulated account claimed that Kalu questioned whether the community still wanted the university if its members were unwilling to support the APC campaign song. However, the full context of the reported exchange was not independently established in the circulating footage.
Social Media Reactions as Video Goes Viral
The video generated widespread reactions on X, with several users interpreting the chants as a show of support for Peter Obi and a rejection of the APC’s political mobilisation in the Southeast.
Some commentators also questioned whether political appointments and proposed development projects were sufficient to secure public support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among the reactions, one user, @Creamybond, wrote: “What a show, Nigerian are waking up.”
Another user, @MaaziEzeoke, published a commentary titled “Number 6 Has Lost His Glory in His Own State,” criticising the perceived emphasis on political promises rather than accountability, economic opportunities and community development.
Similarly, @UkomahM claimed that the crowd used Obi’s name to interrupt Kalu’s campaign message and alleged that the Deputy Speaker linked the university project to political support.
Another account, @PO_GrassRootM, argued that the crowd had refused to be influenced by promises or political pressure, describing the incident as a warning to politicians seeking support in the Southeast.
Other users described the moment as an embarrassment for Kalu, while several posts highlighted the volume of the crowd’s chants in comparison with the APC campaign song.
The reactions, however, largely reflected the views of individual social media users and should not automatically be taken as representing the position of everyone who attended the festival.
Why Ben Kalu Has Been Campaigning for Tinubu in the Southeast
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has repeatedly advocated stronger political cooperation between the Southeast and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Deputy Speaker has argued that the region should move beyond political sentiments and build strategic alliances with the Federal Government to improve its access to national opportunities, development projects and political influence.
He has also participated in APC political activities and campaign mobilisation efforts, urging the Southeast to engage more actively with the ruling party.
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The Item Okpi Festival is a traditional cultural celebration associated with the Item community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, which falls within Kalu’s constituency.
The incident has therefore attracted attention because it occurred in his home political environment at a time when political parties and prominent politicians are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
No Immediate Official Response From Kalu
As of the time of filing this report, no immediate official response from Kalu’s office addressing the specific viral video had emerged in the widely circulated social media discussions.
The incident has continued to generate conversations about Peter Obi’s political appeal in the Southeast, the APC’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the region and the challenges politicians face in translating political positions and development promises into public support.
With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of 2027, the reaction at the Item Okpi Festival is likely to remain a subject of discussion among political observers and supporters of the major political camps.
For more updates on the 2027 race, follow us on X.
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