The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the leadership of Abia State from the Labour Party (LP) in the 2027 general elections.
Kalu made the declaration on Sunday while addressing a large gathering of APC supporters and party members at the Abia Hotels in Umuahia, the state capital.
He said the ruling party was already building momentum across the state ahead of the next electoral cycle and expressed confidence that Abia would be fully integrated into the country’s mainstream political structure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“We are going to take over Abia in 2027. We want to work with the President to move our state forward,” Kalu said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The Deputy Speaker emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to unlocking the economic potential of the South-East, particularly through trade and commerce. He disclosed that the President was determined to establish a functional seaport in the region as part of efforts to strengthen its role as Nigeria’s commercial hub.
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According to him, Tinubu’s understanding of the South-East’s trading culture is shaping federal plans for infrastructure development and economic inclusion in the zone.
“The President understands that the South-East is a trading region, and he is determined to build a seaport here. This will open up new opportunities, boost business activities, and connect our region to global trade routes,” Kalu stated.
The lawmaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, said it was time for Abia to align politically with the centre to benefit from federal projects and economic programmes being rolled out under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He dismissed claims that the APC’s growing mobilisation in Abia was driven by financial incentives, insisting that the support for President Tinubu and the party was genuine and people-oriented.
“When they see us gather, they think it’s about money. It’s not about money. It’s about the love we have for our President and the vision he represents. The crowd here is not a rented crowd; it’s organic. They are here because they believe in the future we are building,” Kalu said.
He urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that the APC’s growing acceptance across Abia was proof that residents desired change and better governance.
“We must stay together and continue this movement. Abia deserves to be part of the progress happening under President Tinubu. Together, we will make that happen,” Kalu added.
The event drew party leaders, youth groups, and business stakeholders who expressed optimism that Abia’s political realignment with the APC could fast-track development and federal attention to key infrastructure needs in the state.