The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has assured that Ndigbo in the Southeast geo political zone of the country is determined to deliver over 70 percent of their votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The gesture would be in appreciation for President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Igboland.
Kalu spoke at a civic reception organized in his honour by the Atuma Grace Movement in Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State weekend.
He said Tinubu has demonstrated a rare sense of historical justice by addressing long-standing post-civil war promises made to Ndi Igbo but never fulfilled by successive governments.
The lawmaker recalled that in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, the administration of General Yakubu Gowon promised “Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration” for the people of the Southeast—a commitment that, according to him, remained largely unfulfilled for over five decades.
“Tinubu has done what no other leader has dared to do in over fifty years. He has responded to the decades-old demands of Ndi Igbo by establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which previous administrations ignored.
“Tinubu did not just sign the SEDC bill into law, he also provided funding to kick-start the commission’s operations, despite skepticism from some quarters. This action shows he values Ndi Igbo, and we, in turn, are a people who remember and reward those who stand with us.”he said.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that the Tinubu administration’s intervention through the SEDC would catalyze rural development across Igboland, correcting years of infrastructural neglect.
“We are assuring President Tinubu of 70 to 80 percent of the votes from the Southeast in 2027. Our people are peace-loving and committed to national unity, and we will continue to support a government that acknowledges our contributions and needs,” he said.
Reacting to reports of interference in traditional institutions in Abia State, Kalu condemned the alleged restriction placed on traditional rulers by the state government, preventing them from welcoming federal officials, particularly those associated with President Tinubu.
“I was saddened to hear that traditional rulers were instructed not to receive me, the Deputy Speaker, or other federal appointees during visits to their communities. This is undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of good governance,” he added.
He emphasized, “Elections are over; this is the time for governance. Attempting to stifle the freedom of traditional institutions to engage with leaders at the federal level undermines the inclusive governance Abians deserve.”
Kalu called on those allegedly threatening traditional rulers to desist, urging respect for the will of the people.
A State belongs to all of us. Every citizen has the right to align with any political ideology or administration that reflects their hopes and interests. Let us not create divisions where unity is needed most,” he added.
