In a significant show of political realignment, former local government chairmen in Abia State—cutting across party lines—have pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and vowed to work toward his re-election in 2027.
Operating under the banner of the South East Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen, the group made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in Umuahia, the state capital.
Led by Dr. Frank Osita, former chairman of Umunneochi LGA, the former helmsmen said their goal is to mobilize grassroots support for the President, leveraging their political influence and network across communities.
“We recognize the vital role we played and continue to play at the grassroots level,” Osita said. “This forum seeks to harness our collective experience for the good of the region and the nation.”
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, himself a former council chairman of Bende LGA, praised the formation of the forum as a bold and timely initiative. He emphasized that their wealth of experience uniquely positions them to drive community development and strengthen national unity.
“We understand each other better, having walked the same path,” Kalu said. “This forum is not just about politics—it’s about service and nation-building.”
The Deputy Speaker also used the occasion to introduce the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP)—a platform designed to showcase and deepen the impact of President Tinubu’s governance agenda at the grassroots. He encouraged the former chairmen to plug into the initiative and bring their followers along.
In a separate meeting with former PDP local government chairmen led by Hon. Chinedu Iboko, Kalu stressed the importance of unity beyond party lines.
“We must look beyond party flags and see each other as brothers,” he said. “What unites us—our people’s needs and aspirations—is greater than what divides us.”
Iboko, speaking on behalf of the PDP ex-chairmen, commended Kalu for sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and thanked President Tinubu for signing it into law.
