Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have endorsed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, where party leaders reviewed developments following the recent party convention.
Details of the resolution were contained in a communiqué presented by former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike.
The meeting brought together party executives, former and serving lawmakers, and key stakeholders from all 17 local government areas, who unanimously supported Kalu through a voice vote.
Representatives from the state’s three senatorial zones were also present, reinforcing the broad backing for the Deputy Speaker’s potential candidacy.
Participants at the meeting cited Kalu’s leadership qualities and performance in office as reasons for their confidence in his ability to lead the state.
State APC Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, commended party members for their unity and commitment, while assuring that the process would remain open and fair to other aspirants.
He highlighted the party’s growing influence in Abia, noting a significant rise in membership from about 7,000 in 2023 to over 160,000 currently.
Chukwu added that the party is working towards securing between **800,000 and one million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Responding to the endorsement, Kalu expressed appreciation for the support and urged members to remain committed to strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
He acknowledged calls from various local government areas urging him to contest the governorship but said he would make his final decision known soon.
“I will address a wider audience in due time, and everyone will hear my position,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures, including former Speaker Stanley Ohajuruka, former senator Nkechi Nwogu, and APC National Vice Chairman, Nyerere Anyim.
The endorsement signals early political alignment within the party as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections in Nigeria
