Bende 2027: Uzuakoli Erupts as Thousands Rally Behind Ben Kalu’s Re-election Bid

Thousands of residents of Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, have reportedly rallied support for the re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The mobilisation, which attracted community leaders, youths, women and other residents, was described by organisers as a demonstration of confidence in Kalu’s representation of Bende Federal Constituency and his growing national profile as Deputy Speaker.

The supporters said they were backing Kalu on the basis of what they described as visible constituency interventions, accessibility and his ability to attract federal attention to communities within Bende.

The development adds to a series of endorsements Kalu has received from groups and stakeholders across Bende in recent months. Traditional rulers and religious leaders in the constituency have also publicly expressed support for his bid for another term in the House of Representatives.

At the Uzuakoli gathering, supporters highlighted several projects and interventions attributed to Kalu, particularly in the Uzuakoli Ward.

Among the projects cited were the construction of a 1.9-kilometre road at Achi Quarters-Ihemba Road, Uzuakoli; construction of the one-kilometre Okwu Road; and the construction of a six-classroom block with two offices and an ICT centre at Boys Secondary School, Uzuakoli.

Supporters argued that such interventions, alongside other constituency projects across Bende, justified their demand for continuity.

One of the sentiments reportedly expressed by community members was that the 2027 contest should focus on performance and representation rather than political calculations.

For them, Kalu’s elevation to Deputy Speaker has also brought increased visibility to Bende at the federal level.

The Uzuakoli development is coming against the backdrop of Kalu’s ongoing engagement with communities across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency.

In May, Kalu secured the APC ticket to seek another term representing Bende Federal Constituency after emerging unopposed at the party’s primary conducted across the 13 wards.

The Deputy Speaker has also received endorsements from traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholder groups in the constituency, with supporters citing his legislative interventions and constituency projects as reasons for backing his return.

The latest mobilisation also came shortly after Kalu was honoured as the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Times Heroes Lawmaker of the Year (House of Representatives).

Kalu received the award at the Daily Times Nigeria centenary celebration and Times Heroes Awards in Abuja on September 3, where he described the recognition as an honour and a renewed call to public service.

He subsequently pledged to intensify his efforts for the people of Bende and Nigerians generally.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the growing endorsements across Bende are expected to further shape the political contest for the federal constituency.