Abia Guber: House of Reps Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Running for 2027 Governorship — Aide

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political activities, albeit discreetly, have commenced across the three senatorial districts of Abia State.

According to findings by our correspondent, these activities appear to be linked to plans by opposition parties to unseat Governor Alex Otti in 2027.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is widely regarded as the most formidable party in the state, boasting political heavyweights such as former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah; and ex-Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, among others.

While no APC member has publicly declared interest in contesting the Abia State governorship election in 2027, our correspondent gathered that some key stakeholders, excluding former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, are consulting with critical allies ahead of the election.

For instance, an aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who is from Item Bende Local Government area, disclosed on Thursday that his principal is keen on contesting for the top seat in 2027.

He said: “My boss has already set up his structure across the 17 local government areas, complete with coordinators. He is fully in the race as we speak. The only issue is that he is still studying the body language of Dr. Uche Ogah and Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu.

“Though we understand that Dr. Uche Ogah supported Governor Otti in 2023 and has been aligning with the Labour Party, it is unclear whether he plans to run under the Labour Party or wait until 2031. My boss is also aware of Mascot Uzor Kalu’s influence and is carefully observing him, given the caliber of people backing him. Consultations are ongoing, but I can assure you that my principal is prepared to succeed Governor Otti in 2027.

“Both Uche Ogah and Mascot Kalu ran for Abia governor under different platforms but are currently in the APC, my boss will convince them not to run against him in the primaries. Once we are able to get the party together with all stakeholders in unity, we will defeat Otti.

“ My Principal is also in good romance with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and many other stakeholders, so the needed support to win Otti will provided” He said