REPS DEPUTY SPEAKER BENJAMIN KALU CLINCHES APC TICKET, SET FOR THIRD TERM HOUSE OF REPS BID

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
16- MAY- 2026

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections following a successful primary election conducted in Abia State.

Kalu secured the party’s endorsement after delegates and members of the APC across the constituency unanimously backed his return to the National Assembly for another term.

Addressing journalists shortly after the primary exercise at the APC Secretariat in Umuahia, the Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to party stakeholders, delegates, supporters, and constituents for the confidence they continued to place in his leadership and representation.

According to him, the endorsement reflected the trust and satisfaction of the people of Bende Federal Constituency with his performance and legislative contributions over the years.

Kalu noted that no other aspirant contested against him during the primary, stressing that party members from all the 13 wards in the constituency openly demonstrated their support for his continued stay in the Green Chamber.

He explained that the people desired continuity in representation, adding that many developmental projects and federal interventions initiated under his leadership still required consolidation and expansion.

The Deputy Speaker further stated that his commitment to promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the grassroots level contributed significantly to the overwhelming support he received from party faithful.

Promising to sustain quality representation, Kalu assured constituents that his next tenure would focus on attracting more federal projects, strengthening legislative advocacy, and improving the welfare of communities within Bende Federal Constituency.

He emphasized the importance of experience and ranking within parliamentary politics, arguing that retaining experienced lawmakers in strategic positions benefits constituencies more than constantly replacing them with new entrants.

According to him, his current office as Deputy Speaker has elevated the political visibility and influence of Bende Federal Constituency nationally, thereby opening more opportunities for federal attention and development.

Kalu also dismissed concerns surrounding some APC primary elections in parts of Abia State, insisting that the party remained committed to credible, transparent, and democratic processes.

He maintained that the APC leadership made it clear from the onset that there would be no automatic tickets, noting that candidates emerged through direct participation and support of party members.

Speaking on preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, the Deputy Speaker expressed confidence in his chances based on his achievements, grassroots acceptance, and previous electoral victories.

He recalled that despite political challenges in the past, he successfully won elections in both 2019 and 2023, stressing that his performance and constituency projects would remain his strongest campaign tools.

Kalu assured the people that he would continue engaging directly with communities through vigorous grassroots mobilization and consultations across wards, villages, markets, and homes throughout the constituency.

He reiterated his determination to deepen democratic dividends, strengthen federal presence, and sustain impactful representation for the people of Bende Federal Constituency.