By Our Political Correspondent
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has moved swiftly to shut down growing political speculation, firmly denying claims that he has declared interest in contesting the Abia State governorship election in 2027.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Friday, the Office of the Deputy Speaker described the report—attributed to an online platform, Native Reporters—as “baseless, unfounded and lacking credibility.” The statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu.
“The Deputy Speaker has not made any declaration, either privately or publicly, to contest for the governorship of Abia State in 2027,” the statement categorically declared.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, stressed that his immediate focus remains on delivering on his four-year legislative mandate and discharging his responsibilities as Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker with diligence and patriotism.
The statement further called on the publishers of the report to retract it immediately, warning that the spread of unverified political stories undermines public trust and violates basic journalistic ethics.
“Media organisations are advised to verify information before publication and refrain from amplifying misinformation capable of misleading the public,” the release cautioned.
Addressing lingering political curiosity, the Deputy Speaker’s office noted that any future political decision by Kalu would be officially communicated by his political family at the appropriate time, and not through rumours or anonymous reports.
The denial comes against the backdrop of heightened political calculations in Abia State, where Kalu has previously voiced confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could reclaim the state in 2027. However, he has never personally declared any intention to seek the governorship.
Recent viral social media posts quoting Kalu as promising to “clean the tears of Abia people” in 2027 are believed to have fuelled the speculation, though the Deputy Speaker has now made it clear that such narratives are not a declaration of ambition.
For now, Benjamin Kalu insists he is focused on lawmaking, national leadership, and service—not the Abia governorship race.
As 2027 politics quietly simmers, the Deputy Speaker’s message is clear: the time for ambition talk is not now.
