By Douglas Princemola
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on Ndigbo to think strategically and rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, stressing that unity would strengthen the Southeast’s political influence and accelerate development in the region.
Kalu made the appeal during an interactive meeting with stakeholders and leaders from Imo State in Abuja on Tuesday, where he commended President Tinubu for what he described as deliberate and impactful policies targeting the Southeast. He highlighted the recent signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law as a landmark achievement, saying the commission will drive reconstruction, tackle infrastructural decay, and unlock new economic opportunities for the five southeastern states.
The Deputy Speaker cautioned against political fragmentation in the region, noting that dividing electoral support among multiple political parties would dilute Ndigbo’s bargaining power at the national level. He urged leaders and voters in the Southeast to adopt a unified political strategy, insisting that a consolidated block vote could secure more federal appointments, projects, and resources for the zone.
“As the only Igbo occupying a principal office in the federal legislature, I consider it my duty to serve as a bridge between the federal government and our people,” Kalu said. “Supporting President Tinubu’s re-election is not about partisanship; it is about securing the future of our region through strategic engagement.”
During the meeting, stakeholders also appealed to the Deputy Speaker to prevail upon President Tinubu to release detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, arguing that his continued incarceration fuels insecurity and social unrest in the Southeast.
Kalu assured the gathering that he would convey their concerns to the president, while reiterating that peaceful dialogue and political inclusion remain the surest paths to lasting stability and development in the region.
