2027: House of Reps deputy speaker’s aide resigns, backs LP challenger

A personal assistant to Nigeria's Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has resigned, citing a conflict of interest ahead of the 2027 National Assembly election. Ugochukwu Nwankwo's resignation, dated May 8, 2026, was made public on Saturday, with his support now backing Labour Party candidate Chima Anyaso for the Bende Federal Constituency seat, currently held by Kalu.

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I wish to formally inform you that I have resigned my position as your personal assistant. This decision is necessary to avoid a conflict of interest, as we go into the general elections (in 2027).

Nwankwo stated in his resignation letter that his decision was necessary to avoid a conflict of interest during the general elections. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Kalu. However, his departure has been accompanied by public criticism of his former boss's camp. Nwankwo has accused individuals working for the deputy speaker of creating numerous fake Facebook accounts to artificially inflate Kalu's online popularity.

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I also want to use this medium to thank you for finding me worthy to serve you in that capacity, a gesture I do not take for granted.

"The race for who represents Bende Federal Constituency has begun, and it is quite worrisome and unfortunate that the camp of my brother and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, has chosen the path of self-deceit and make-believe!" Nwankwo wrote on Facebook. He questioned the necessity of such tactics if Kalu was confident in his re-election prospects, adding, "The reality stares them in the face. Real humans in Bende have left them!"

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For your information, Mr Nwankwo resigned as an appointee of the deputy speaker on 8 May 2026.

Premium Times confirmed the authenticity of the resignation letter through a phone call to one of the numbers listed on the letterhead. While the individual who answered confirmed Nwankwo's resignation, they declined to identify themselves. A Truecaller search identified the number as belonging to Nwankwo. The Deputy Speaker's spokesperson, Levinus Nwabughiogu, was contacted for comment on Nwankwo's allegations but had not responded by the time of publication.

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In 2027, we have decided to support Chima Anyaso.