Ahead of the 2027 elections, leaders of the old Aba political division in Abia State, primarily from the Ukwa-Ngwa clan, have called on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to contest for the governorship seat.
Citing his impressive legislative track record, the leaders expressed their confidence in Kalu’s ability to transform the state.
Ukwa-Ngwa, a powerful political bloc, comprises nine out of Abia’s 17 local government areas, spanning Abia South and Abia Central zones.
The areas include Obingwa, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isiala-Ngwa North, Osisioma, Aba North, Aba South, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, and Ukwa West.
During a courtesy visit to Kalu in Umuahia on Thursday, Elder Godwin Nna, a former commissioner and Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Council, highlighted the urgency for APC to take over Abia State.
“We want to beg you, the state chairman and other well-meaning Abians who are APC members that we all from Aba division, Ukwa la Ngwa have come here today to tell you that our people say that we want take over Abia State in totality.”
“APC wants to take over Abia State in totality. There is no way we can have people like you, and very many others that will make things happen without taking over this State. If there is any time APC will not govern this State, it will not be this time.”
“That is what we came here to tell you. We know you have the capacity in mobilizing the people of Abia State to get to the Promised Land. If there is any other person that is looking for this, that is not ready, let him give a chance for any other person that has the interest of this party. That’s the reason we came here. Thanks sir,” Nna said.
Supporting this call, Rt. Hon. Uzo Azubuike, a former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and former federal lawmaker, praised Kalu’s achievements and mobilization capacity.
“We, the Ukwa Ngwa people are very proud of you. As a former Legislator, I am in a position to assess your performance and I can tell the world that you are excellent in every aspect of it. Our Letter has named some people you facilitated their appointments.”
“We are grateful and if you do more, we will be more grateful. We give you the assurance that come 2027, by the grace of God, you can go and sleep as far as Ukwa Ngwa area is concerned. We are out to work and we are going to work,” Azubuike stated.
Also speaking, former Abia Commissioner for Information, Sir Don Ubani, expressed gratitude to Kalu for empowering people from the region.
“Your Excellency, we came to say thank you. We have seen our people you have empowered and that has brought honour to Abia State and indeed, Igbo land. We appreciate it. But we also want to play Oliver Twist,” Ubani said.
Responding, Deputy Speaker Kalu called for the full backing of Ukwa-Ngwa people, assuring them of his commitment to leading the APC to victory in the coming election cycle.
Meanwhile, another political group, the Uwaoma Support Group, led by Hon. Abraham Obah, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, also pledged their loyalty and support during a separate courtesy visit.
“We have heard what you said. You want us to support the party fully especially at the national level. You want us to vote for President Tinubu.’
“The assurance I will give you is that we are going to support you fully. I am 100% sure APC will do well in Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas this time around based on your performance,” Obah declared.
Kalu, while responding to the group, assured them of his full support toward strengthening APC’s base in Aba.
“The strategic movement to reposition APC in Aba is a step in the right direction. We will support you to make sure that APC is stronger in Aba. I grew up in Aba. I am an Aba boy. I schooled there, did business there. We will shutdown Aba when the time comes,” he said.
