Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has said he has not declared interest in contesting the governorship of Abia State, dismissing speculations linking his recent activities to a political ambition.
Kalu spoke on Monday at his country home in Bende Local Government Area during the 2025 Renewed Town Hall Meeting and Christmas Food Distribution. He said his actions were being wrongly interpreted by political opponents as a sign of interest in the governorship race.
According to him, almost every move he makes is now viewed through the lens of a governorship ambition. He remarked that even routine activities or engagements on behalf of the President are being misconstrued, adding that the situation has led to unnecessary attacks on him, particularly on social media.
Kalu said while others who have openly declared interest in the governorship are not being criticised, he has become the target of sustained online attacks. He noted that he is not distracted by such criticisms, recalling that similar attacks preceded his emergence as a member of the House of Representatives.
He stated that if he eventually decides to contest the governorship, it would be after consultations within his party and guidance from its national leadership. He added that no final decision has been taken and that he is waiting for direction from the appropriate quarters.
During the event, Kalu also publicly invited Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress. He said the APC would support Otti if he chooses to defect to the party, stressing the need for unity and alignment with the federal government.
The occasion featured the distribution of over 15 trailer loads of rice and cash to beneficiaries, including churches, traditional rulers, APC members across the 17 local government areas, northern communities, persons living with disabilities, and various support groups. Kalu described 2025 as a year that required resilience but has begun to show positive outcomes.
He used the opportunity to highlight the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing reforms in the economy, fuel subsidy removal, fiscal and tax restructuring, power supply, education, security, agriculture, social protection, and job creation. He said the administration’s efforts go beyond palliatives, noting investments in infrastructure and human capacity development.
Earlier, Director General of the Ben Kalu Foundation, Trump Eke, said Kalu has remained consistent in his engagement with the people over the years, adding that the gathering reflected inclusiveness and renewed hope.
In separate remarks, the Abia State Chairman of the APC, Kingsley Ononogbu, Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Emeka Nwogu, and an Aba South APC stakeholder, Dame Blessing Nwagba, called on residents to remain resilient. They assured party members that the APC is committed to strengthening its presence in the state and linking Abia more closely to the centre.
