The political landscape in the South East appears to be shifting steadily in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a powerful endorsement by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Speaking at a grand civic reception in his honour at Ntalakwu in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sealed a historic bond with the region through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC)—a move he described as the most significant post-war reintegration effort by any Nigerian leader.
“No President has fulfilled the post-civil war promise of reconstruction and reintegration like President Tinubu has done with the SEDC,” Kalu said, radiating confidence. “The people of the South East will not forget this gesture. We will reward him with over 70 percent of the votes in 2027.”
The occasion, which drew party faithfuls, traditional rulers, and political heavyweights, was hosted by the Atuma Grace Movement, under the leadership of former federal lawmaker, Chief Emeka Atuma. In a symbolic show of honor and grassroots endorsement, Kalu was conferred with the traditional title “Dike Eji Aga Mba”—“The People’s Warrior”—by King Larry of the Ntalakwu ancient kingdom, solidifying his stature as a political force rooted in culture and community.
The event also served as a political rallying point, with Kalu receiving high-profile defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC fold. Among them were Retired Major Akubundu Awa, former Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly Chief Wisdom Ogbonna, and the former President General of Oboro community, Chief Kingsley Uwa.
“President Tinubu didn’t just sign the SEDC bill into law—he backed it with funding and political will, despite doubts from many corners,” Kalu emphasized. “He loves Ndi Igbo, and we remember those who love us.”
Taking a swipe at the Abia State government, Kalu condemned what he described as calculated attempts to prevent traditional rulers from engaging with federal institutions. “It is wrong for any authority to stop our royal fathers from receiving federal government representatives,” he said. “This is the time for governance and progress, not needless division. Let Abia be free.”
In a warm and strategic endorsement, Chief Atuma applauded Kalu’s growing political influence. “This is your day, Ben,” he said. “You are the pinnacle of APC leadership in Abia State, and we are standing by you on this journey to greater heights.”
The reception marked a turning point in the APC’s efforts to consolidate support in the South East ahead of the 2027 elections. With the creation of the SEDC, Tinubu's popularity is visibly growing, and with Kalu leading the charge, the APC may finally be closing the long-standing political gap in the region.