Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has said the Igbo people of the South East will give President Bola Tinubu over 70 percent of their votes in the 2027 general elections.
Kalu said this will be a way to appreciate President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the South East.
He recalled the post civil war promise of reconstruction rehabilitation and reintegration made to the region by the Gowon administration which was never fulfilled. He said Tinubu has now kept that promise by creating the South East Development Commission SEDC.
Kalu made the remarks during a reception in his honour at Ntalakwu in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The event was organised by the Atuma Grace Movement led by former House of Representatives member Emeka Atuma.
At the event Kalu was given the chieftaincy title Dike Eji Aga Mba meaning The Peoples Warrior by the traditional ruler of Ntalakwu kingdom King Larry.
Kalu said the people of the region will continue to support President Tinubu because of the SEDC which he said provides a platform to address long standing issues in Igbo communities. He added that the President has already signed and funded the commission despite skepticism.
He said no previous government fulfilled the promise made after the war but Tinubu did. According to him the South East will return 70 to 80 percent of votes to the President in 2027.
Kalu also condemned reports that some traditional rulers were asked not to welcome him and other federal government officials due to political pressure in the state. He said elections were over and it is time for governance urging those in power in Abia State to allow freedom of association and expression.
During the event several figures from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party defected to the All Progressives Congress APC. Among them were retired Major Akubundu Awa former Abia Assembly majority leader Wisdom Ogbonna former President General of Oboro Community Kingsley Uwa and former Education Secretary Chief Uche Nwachuwu.
The host Emeka Atuma praised Kalu as a true son of Abia and a key leader of the APC in the state. He described the Deputy Speaker’s visit as a sign of growing political strength and said the party is on the path to greater achievements.
