Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has expressed confidence that the Igbo ethnic group will deliver more than 70% of votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, citing the President’s efforts to fulfill promises made to the Igbo people after the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kalu described Tinubu’s administration as a beacon of hope for the Igbo people, noting that the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) was a landmark achievement that no previous administration had been able to deliver.
Kalu made the remarks during a grand reception held in his honor by the Atuma Grace Movement, a political structure of former House of Representatives member, Emeka Atuma, in Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. He was also honored with the title of Dike Eji Aga Mba (The People’s Warrior) by the traditional ruler of Ntalakwu Ancient Kingdom, King Larry.
Kalu’s statement reiterated that the Igbo community recognizes the actions taken by Tinubu to address long-standing issues affecting the region. He emphasized that the creation of the SEDC, which had been a proposal since the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon, was a major breakthrough in the development of the South East.
“We are promising the President, 70 to 80 percent of votes from Igboland,” Kalu said, highlighting that no other Nigerian President had remembered the promises made to the Igbo people after the civil war like President Tinubu. “Fifty years came and passed, administrations came and passed, none of them deemed it right to fulfill those promises made to Ndi Igbo, and only President Bola Tinubu took it upon himself to respond to those proposals.”
Kalu praised Tinubu’s commitment to the Igbo people, noting that the President signed the SEDC bill into law and ensured its funding despite opposition from critics. “He loves Ndi Igbo and we Igbos remember those who love us,” Kalu added.
During his address, Kalu also condemned the actions of some political actors in Abia State who, he claimed, were trying to restrict the freedom of traditional rulers from engaging with the federal government. He expressed disapproval over reports that traditional rulers had been instructed not to receive or interact with federal officials, including himself, due to their political affiliations.
Kalu called for unity, stating that governance should transcend party lines and that all citizens of Abia should be allowed to express their political affiliations freely. “Those who are threatening the traditional rulers, please, we beg you, allow them the freedom to exercise the mandate of the people. Abia State should be free for everybody to express where they want to belong and who they want to follow,” Kalu said.
Emeka Atuma, the host of the event, also praised the growing strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, signaling increased support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kalu’s remarks come as President Tinubu’s administration continues to garner attention in the South East for its initiatives aimed at addressing regional development challenges and fostering political stability.
