By Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has promised that the Southeast will deliver more than 70% of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Mr Kalu made the declaration at a reception held in his honour by the Atuma Grace Movement in Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
Mr Kalu stated that the overwhelming support would be a show of gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Igbo land.
He cited the establishment and funding of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a historic move, describing Tinubu as the only Nigerian president who has fulfilled post-war promises made to Ndi Igbo.
“He answered our call by signing the SEDC bill into law and funding it, even when many doubted him,” he said.
According to the Deputy House Speaker, the President’s actions demonstrate genuine love for the Igbo people, and the region will reciprocate this support at the polls. “We are promising the President 70 to 80% of the votes from Igboland. We are a people who remember those who love us,” he said.
He also called on the people to continue promoting peace and unity.
In a boost to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Kalu received a wave of new defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Notable among them were Retired Major Akubundu Awa, Chief Wisdom Ogbonna—a three-time Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly—and a former President-General of the Oboro Community Welfare Association, along with several other prominent figures.
Mr Kalu stressed that the defections signal growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and its development-driven agenda for the South East. He commended the defectors for their bold decision and welcomed them to the party’s fold. “This is a sign that APC is becoming stronger in Abia State,” he noted.
The Deputy Speaker also criticised reports of political interference preventing traditional rulers from engaging with federal officials or attending events in support of President Tinubu. He described such actions as undemocratic and counterproductive.
“Election is over—this is the time for governance. Abia needs leadership that unites, not divides,” he said.
Earlier, host and former lawmaker, Chief Emeka Atuma said the APC was waxing stronger in Abia and gaining grassroots support.
He applauded President Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance and praised Deputy Speaker Kalu for his role in building bridges between the region and the federal government.
