“We have Seen Representation Since 1999, But This Is Different” — Igbere Monarch Endorses Ben Kalu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has received a strong endorsement from the traditional institution in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area, as his consultations with communities across Bende Federal Constituency continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement came from His Royal Majesty Eze Joseph Ukaoha Anyanta, Enyi Ezeji of Ibinaukwu Igbere, who publicly expressed support for Kalu’s bid to return to the House of Representatives for another term.

Speaking during Kalu’s engagement with the Igbere Traditional Rulers Council, the monarch commended what he described as the Deputy Speaker’s visible impact on the constituency and contrasted his representation with that of previous lawmakers.

According to the traditional ruler, the quality of representation being experienced under Kalu has not been witnessed in Bende Federal Constituency since 1999.

The monarch also called for peace and reconciliation among political actors and urged the people to maintain unity as political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027.

Monarch Prays for Kalu, Pledges Support

The traditional ruler further offered prayers for Kalu’s protection and success, while expressing the council’s support for his return to the National Assembly.

The endorsement adds to a series of expressions of support reportedly received by the Deputy Speaker during his ongoing ward-to-ward engagements across Bende.

Kalu’s supporters have described the consultations as evidence of his continued grassroots connection with constituents, particularly because the engagements are taking place outside the formal campaign period.

Controversy Over Igbere Visitation Video

The Igbere engagement has also generated political controversy following attempts by some individuals aligned with Chima Anyaso to circulate what Kalu’s supporters described as a doctored version of the visitation video.

Those close to the Deputy Speaker’s campaign insist that the full recording provides the appropriate context for understanding the monarch’s remarks and endorsement.

The dispute has added another layer to the increasingly competitive political atmosphere in Bende ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kalu Says Consultations Predate Election Season

Speaking after the Igbere engagement, and following his visit to Okoko Item earlier in the day, Kalu explained that his interaction with constituents was not a new initiative created for the forthcoming election.

He said he had maintained periodic consultations with the people since his election in 2019.

“While many are waiting for the campaign whistle, we have sustained our meet-your-constituents project till date, because the feedback mechanism has helped our representation to be better,” Kalu said.

According to the Deputy Speaker, maintaining direct contact with constituents enables him to understand their needs and incorporate their concerns into his legislative and constituency priorities.

He described a manifesto developed without consultation with the people as largely theoretical, arguing that his own approach is based on issues and priorities gathered directly from the communities he represents.

“My Manifesto Is Written by the Ink of Community Needs”

Kalu further explained that his relationship with constituents extends beyond formal political engagements.

He said genuine representation requires a representative to remain sufficiently close to the people to understand their realities.

The Deputy Speaker cited his willingness to eat, drink, sing and dance with constituents as part of the relationship he has built with communities across Bende.

For him, such interactions provide an avenue for the people to speak directly about their challenges while allowing him to receive feedback on his performance.

Political Temperature Rises Ahead of 2027

With the 2027 elections approaching, political activity has increasingly intensified across Abia State.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency and serves as Deputy Speaker, has already received support from several communities and political stakeholders during his ongoing engagements.

Responding to the growing political noise surrounding the election, he appeared confident that his record would speak for itself.

“Let them wail while we win hearts. It’s not even campaign season yet and they are already crying — wait until the APC campaign begins,” Kalu said.

He subsequently concluded the day’s engagements at about 11:41 p.m., with the ward-to-ward consultations expected to continue.

The Bigger Political Picture

The Igbere endorsement is significant because traditional institutions remain influential stakeholders in grassroots politics across Bende.

However, while endorsements and community receptions provide an indication of political sentiment, the ultimate decision will rest with voters at the 2027 polls.

For now, Kalu’s continued consultations have ensured that his proposed re-election remains firmly at the centre of political discussions in Bende Federal Constituency.

As the Deputy Speaker continues his engagements with communities, traditional rulers, youth groups, women and other stakeholders, the emerging question is whether the momentum generated by these grassroots consultations will translate into another electoral victory in 2027.

For supporters of the Deputy Speaker, the answer is already clear: they believe Bende has experienced enough of his representation to want continuity.