A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Mr. Emma Trumps Eke, has debunked reports suggesting that Rt. Hon.
Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is gearing up for a gubernatorial race in 2027.
Describing the rumors as “baseless and politically motivated,” Eke, who serves as the Federal Commissioner representing Abia State in the National Population Commission, attributed the claims to an “obscure blog” allegedly sponsored by an unnamed politician from Igbere.
He accused him of propagating the narrative to bolster his younger brother’s candidacy for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.
In a statement released to journalists on Friday, Eke, a close ally of Kalu, clarified that the Deputy Speaker is currently focused on strengthening the APC and supporting the party’s agenda under President Bola Tinubu, rather than pursuing personal political ambitions.
“The political future of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu will be determined by God and his political family,” Eke emphasized. “Whether he will run for Senate, governorship, or return to the House of Representatives will be decided openly and at the right time.”
Eke further stressed the need for Kalu to remain steadfast in his role as a leader of the opposition in Abia State, urging him to work tirelessly toward the redemption of the state.
“As the leader of the opposition in Abia, he should focus on uniting the APC, which is steadily attracting men of integrity and resources, to position the party for victory in the next elections,” he said.
He also dismissed the rumors as distractions aimed at sowing division within the party and reiterated the APC’s commitment to strengthening its position in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eke concluded by calling for unity and focus among party members to achieve their collective goals in the state.