The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intensify engagement with party stakeholders, promote unity and cohesion, and deepen reconciliation across the country.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, conveyed the President’s message during a series of courtesy visits to prominent APC leaders and elder statesmen across the three senatorial zones of Abia State—Abia North, Abia Central and Abia South as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen party structures and align stakeholders with the administration’s vision of national unity and political stability.
In Abia North, the Deputy Speaker paid a courtesy visit to former Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. In Abia Central, he met with Senator John Bob Nwannunu, while in Abia South, he visited former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Hallmark Bank and prominent APC chieftain, Sir Mac Wabara.
Across the engagements, Kalu said discussions centred on party unity, internal strengthening, reconciliation, and sustained collaboration among leaders and stakeholders for the growth of the APC and the stability of the polity.
According to him, President Tinubu’s message was unambiguous: party leaders at all levels must reach out to one another, set aside divisive tendencies, and work collectively to build a stronger, more cohesive party and nation.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the period presents an opportunity for reflection, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals of unity and inclusive governance.
Speaking on the broader national political equation, Kalu urged the Igbo to be strategic and pragmatic in their political choices, stressing that votes should be invested, not wasted.
He argued that the shortest route to the emergence of an Igbo President lies in building strong political alliances, particularly by supporting the South-West at this time, noting that such strategic support would strengthen trust, inclusion and reciprocity within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s vision, party unity, and the advancement of the South-East within the national political framework, while assuring stakeholders of his dedication to effective representation and inclusive governance.
The Deputy Speaker also presented his two-year legislative scorecard to the elder statesmen and party leaders, openly inviting them to critique his performance.
“I believe leadership must be subjected to scrutiny. I presented my two-year scorecard and asked them to honestly assess what I have done so far, so I can do better,” he said.
He charged party stakeholders to immediately intensify grassroots mobilisation and strategic engagement to ensure a resounding victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Kalu declared that the era of negotiating for 25 percent votes for the President in Abia State is over, stressing that the APC in the state now has the structure, momentum and political capital to deliver outright victory.
Expressing confidence in the party’s growing grassroots support and renewed unity, the Deputy Speaker said Abia APC is fully positioned to win the state convincingly for President Tinubu in future elections.
He said “The policies were tough, but the President was steadfast and courageous. Today, Nigerians have started benefiting from those policies. Any leader who shows such courage deserves support.
“Igbo people, let us invest our votes. Let us not waste them on sentiments. Politics is about numbers. The vote is the currency of political investment. You cannot ask for dividends where you have made no investment.”
He added that President Tinubu has demonstrated sincerity in working with the South-East, stressing that there is no discrimination in project allocation, and that the President has shown strong political will and openness to dialogue.
The elder statesmen, in their separate remarks, commended the Deputy Speaker for his impactful and people-oriented contributions at the National Assembly.
They praised his decision to present his scorecard for open critique, describing it as a mark of transparency, humility and accountability, and pledged continued support to strengthen party structures and mobilise grassroots support ahead of 2027.
