2027: Bende stakeholders back Deputy Speaker Kalu, deny zoning agreement

Supporters from the Umunna bloc in Nigeria's Bende Federal Constituency have publicly endorsed Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for his 2027 re-election campaign. Meeting at a solidarity rally in Bende, the stakeholders asserted that no zoning agreement dictates the constituency's representation. They emphasized their commitment to retaining Kalu, arguing that Bende has benefited from his "quality representation" and that they would not "replace experience with experiment in 2027."

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We cannot substitute the man with the gavel for a greenhorn. We have seen quality representation, and we will not trade our gold for ashes.

Leading the endorsement, APC candidate Orji Udeagha highlighted Kalu's performance, stating that Bende has not seen such a level of representation before. He argued that equity supports Kalu's return, noting that the Umunna bloc held the seat for 16 consecutive years and that the Ikwuishi bloc, to which Kalu belongs, should be allowed a similar duration. Udeagha stressed that Kalu has outperformed previous representatives and needs support to continue his work.

Former Bende LGA chairman Gabriel Okereke-Elendu dismissed claims of a two-term zoning arrangement, challenging anyone to produce evidence of such an agreement. He pointed out that if an agreement existed, Mrs Ukeje, whom he identified as his sister, would not have served for 12 years. Okereke-Elendu suggested that any future zoning decisions should be made after Kalu completes 12 years, in consultation with stakeholders.

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When somebody comes today to talk about agreements, it baffles me. We have asked them to produce it, but nobody has produced even a sheet of paper.

Other prominent figures, including former LGA chairman Emmanuel Onwuchekwa and APC Women Leader Ijeoma Anyaele, echoed these sentiments. They pledged their full support for Kalu, affirming the absence of any rotational agreement. The stakeholders highlighted Kalu's achievements, such as road construction in all wards, attracting two federal institutions, rural electrification, and youth employment programs, as evidence of the dividends of democracy brought to the Bende people. They concluded that Bende would prioritize experience, performance, and national relevance, resolving to mobilize significant support for Kalu's campaign.

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This is the first time Bende is seeing this level of representation. We cannot afford to go back.