Kalu Takes Tinubu’s Unity Message to Abia, Urges Igbo to ‘Invest Votes’ for Political Inclusion
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on Igbo political leaders and voters to adopt a more strategic approach to national politics, urging them to “invest their votes” in order to secure stronger inclusion and future leadership at the centre.
Kalu made the call during a series of courtesy visits to key All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders across Abia State, where he delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of unity, reconciliation and party cohesion.
The visits, which spanned Abia North, Central and South senatorial zones, were aimed at strengthening party structures and aligning stakeholders with the broader vision of national unity and political stability. In Abia North, Kalu met former Abia State Governor and ex-Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. In Abia Central, he visited Senator John Bob Nwannunu, while in Abia South he engaged Sir Marc Wabara, former Managing Director of the defunct Hallmark Bank and APC chieftain.
According to a statement signed by Udora Orizu, Special Adviser on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, party unity, internal strengthening and sustained collaboration dominated discussions at all the meetings.
Kalu said President Tinubu had directed APC leaders to intensify engagement with stakeholders, put aside divisive tendencies and work collectively to build a stronger party and nation.
“This is a period for reflection, reconciliation and renewed commitment to unity and inclusive governance,” the Deputy Speaker said.
Addressing the national political equation, Kalu argued that the shortest route to producing an Igbo president lies in building strong political alliances, particularly by supporting the South West at this time. He said such support would deepen trust, reciprocity and inclusion within Nigeria’s political framework.
“The time of wasting our votes just to prove sentimental points is gone,” he said. “What you play politics with is numbers. Votes are currency for investment. If you dump your votes where they do not count, you lose the opportunity to negotiate.”
He urged the South East to consolidate the southern political bloc around President Tinubu, stressing that unity within the southern corridor is critical to preventing a reversal of power dynamics unfavourable to the region.
Kalu praised the President’s leadership, noting that although some policies were tough, Tinubu had shown courage and consistency, with benefits already emerging.
He said the President had demonstrated political will, inclusiveness and readiness to work with the Igbo, citing what he described as fair allocation of projects and openness to dialogue.
“Igbo people, let us invest our votes. Let us keep sentiments aside and stand by a listening President who has shown that he wants to work with us,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker also presented his two-year legislative scorecard to the elder statesmen and party leaders, inviting them to openly critique his performance. He described the move as a step towards accountability and improved service delivery.
“I believe leadership must be subjected to scrutiny. I asked them to honestly assess what I have done so far, so I can do better,” he said.
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Looking ahead to 2027, Kalu charged APC stakeholders in Abia to intensify grassroots mobilisation, declaring that the era of negotiating for just 25 per cent votes for the President in the state was over. He expressed confidence that the party now has the structure, momentum and political capital to deliver outright victory in Abia for President Tinubu.
In their separate remarks, the elder statesmen commended Kalu’s performance in the National Assembly, describing his interventions as impactful and people-oriented. They praised his transparency in presenting his scorecard and pledged continued support, assuring him of their commitment to strengthening party structures and mobilising voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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