A significant political shift is brewing in Abia State as influential leaders from the Ukwa-Ngwa clan—representing nine of the state’s seventeen local government areas—have formally called on House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu to contest the 2027 governorship election. The delegation, comprising former legislators and council chairmen, made their appeal during a high-profile meeting at Kalu’s office, citing his exemplary legislative track record and grassroots empowerment initiatives as qualifying assets for the state’s top job.
Elder Godwin Nna, former Obingwa Local Government Chairman and delegation spokesperson, positioned the move as a strategic bid by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure Abia’s leadership. “Our people demand total control of Abia’s governance, and with your mobilization capacity, APC’s victory is inevitable,” Nna asserted, dismissing potential challengers within the party. The endorsement carries weight given Ukwa-Ngwa’s demographic dominance across Abia South and Central senatorial zones—regions historically pivotal in determining the state’s political direction.
Adding gravitas to the appeal, former Abia Assembly Deputy Speaker Uzo Azubuike praised Kalu’s exceptional parliamentary performance and constituency projects, declaring the group’s readiness to deliver overwhelming support. “As a former lawmaker, I attest to your outstanding leadership. The Ukwa-Ngwa people stand firmly behind your ambition,” Azubuike stated, referencing Kalu’s successful facilitation of federal appointments for constituents.
While Kalu has yet to formally declare his intentions, this early mobilization by a major ethnic-political group signals growing APC confidence in challenging the incumbent administration. The Ukwa-Ngwa leaders’ visit notably avoided mentioning Governor Alex Otti’s performance, instead framing 2027 as an existential battle for APC’s ascendancy in the traditionally PDP-dominated state.
