By Seyi Odewale
The race for Bende Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections has intensified following the formal launch of the campaign of businessman and philanthropist, Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, who is seeking to unseat the incumbent, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Anyaso, who is contesting on the platform of the Labour Party, said his campaign would focus on jobs, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and stronger grassroots representation.
Launching his campaign in Bende, Anyaso said his ambition was driven by the need for a new approach to representation that would place constituents’ interests above partisan considerations.
In a statement on Wednesday, he said, “This campaign is about the future of Bende. It is about our farmers, our young people, our mothers, our entrepreneurs and every community that deserves to feel the impact of representation.”
He said Bende had enormous human, agricultural and economic potential that could be unlocked through purposeful leadership, community engagement and stronger collaboration among federal, state and local authorities.
Anyaso said consultations across the constituency had revealed concerns over unemployment, poor infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and limited economic opportunities, and he promised to make these issues central to his legislative agenda.
“Our young people should not have to leave their communities because there are no opportunities. We must deliberately create the conditions that allow enterprise, agriculture, innovation and skills to thrive within Bende,” he said.
The candidate also pledged to support farmers, traders, artisans and small businesses through advocacy for federal programmes, access to finance, skills development and expanded markets.
He said his record of philanthropy and community interventions in education, youth development, entrepreneurship and welfare would form part of his campaign’s appeal to voters.
The campaign is expected to feature town hall meetings and consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, farmers, traders and professionals across the constituency.
The contest is shaping up as a major test of political strength between Anyaso and Kalu, who enjoys the advantages of incumbency, national visibility and an established political network as Deputy Speaker.
Anyaso, however, said the election should be determined by the quality of representation rather than political status.
“Politics must ultimately translate into development. Our communities need roads, jobs, better healthcare, support for agriculture, opportunities for young people and a stronger voice,” he said.
He also pledged to support development initiatives in Abia State and build partnerships capable of attracting federal resources and interventions to Bende.
Calling for an issue-based campaign, Anyaso urged political actors to avoid insults and bitterness and allow voters to assess candidates on competence, character, accessibility and track record.
“This must not become a campaign of insults or bitterness. Let every candidate present his record, his ideas and his plans, and let the people of Bende decide the future they want,” he said.
With the campaign now underway, the Bende contest is expected to become one of the closely watched political battles in Abia ahead of 2027.
“This journey belongs to the people,” Anyaso said. “Bende deserves representation that listens, that is accessible, and that delivers. We are ready to offer that alternative, and ultimately, the people will decide.”
