The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has commenced the distribution of 853 solar-powered lighting systems to households across his Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, as his political camp intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Campaign Organization, Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, disclosed this in Umuahia while receiving a delegation of former elected councillors from Bende Local Government Area who visited the organization to declare their support for Kalu’s re-election bid.
Eke said the solar lighting initiative was expected to benefit more than 853 households when the distribution exercise is completed, describing it as part of several interventions planned by the Deputy Speaker for his constituents between now and December.
According to him, the projects demonstrate Kalu’s commitment to improving the welfare of residents of the constituency, particularly in areas where access to basic infrastructure remains a challenge.
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Campaign Group Confident of Kalu’s Re-election
Speaking on the 2027 election, Eke expressed confidence that Kalu would retain his seat, insisting that the campaign organisation was not worried about potential opposition.
He said the organization had already moved beyond speculation about whether the Deputy Speaker would win or lose the election.
“As far as we are concerned, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has no serious contender in 2027. We have gone beyond the permutation of whether he will win or not,” Eke said.
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He also dismissed concerns over the possible emergence of businessman Chima Anyaso as a challenger to Kalu, claiming that the campaign organization was adequately prepared for the election.
“Nobody should panic over the election for Bende. Chima Anyaso, that some people are talking about, is not even prepared for the election. We are more than prepared,” he said.
Eke added that the campaign organization would intensify its political activities as the election approaches.
“By December, we will turn the heat on him and if he withdraws from the race, that will be alright,” he added.
Eke Defends Kalu’s Performance
The campaign organisation’s director-general also defended Kalu’s performance as the representative of Bende, arguing that his position as Deputy Speaker had given the constituency significant political visibility and opportunities.
Eke maintained that replacing Kalu would mean losing the advantages associated with having one of the most senior-ranking lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
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He pointed to what he described as Kalu’s efforts to attract two higher institutions to the constituency within one calendar year, as well as his growing influence at the National Assembly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and on the international stage.
“Kalu is number two at the House of Representatives with the accolades of that office. Will Bende trade that with number 360? Because if Anyaso wins, that will be his number and you know what that means for Bende,” Eke said.
Former Councillors Back Kalu
Eke also described local government councillors as critical players in grassroots governance and the legislative structure of government.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as the political marginalisation of councillors in Bende over the years.
He promised that the situation would change, while commending the former councillors for publicly identifying with Kalu’s political aspirations ahead of the 2027 election.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation of former councillors, Hon. John Eke, said their visit was aimed at declaring their support for the Deputy Speaker’s re-election.
John Eke said the former councillors believed Kalu had performed well as the representative of the constituency and deserved another term in office.
He, however, regretted what he described as the neglect of former councillors in Bende and called for a change in the way they are treated politically.
He disclosed that former councillors drawn from the 13 political wards in Bende had come together to support Kalu’s re-election bid.
The development comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various political camps in constituencies across the country beginning to mobilize supporters and highlight their records ahead of the polls.
