Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has assured President Bola Tinubu of over 70% Igbo support in the 2027 general election. Speaking in his hometown, Ntalakwu in Abia State, Kalu praised Tinubu’s administration for being the only one to fulfil post-civil war promises to the Igbo people, particularly through the signing and funding of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Act.
- Kalu credited Tinubu as the first Nigerian president to honour post-civil war promises to the South-East.
- He cited the establishment and funding of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a key reason for regional support.
- Kalu claimed that no previous administration had addressed Igbo developmental concerns in 50 years.
- He predicted 70–80% electoral support for Tinubu from the South-East in 2027.
- Tinubu signed the SEDC bill into law in July 2024, which Kalu had sponsored.
Kalu’s bold projection is both politically symbolic and strategic. By anchoring his support on tangible legislative achievements, particularly the SEDC, Kalu attempts to reshape the narrative of perceived marginalisation of the Igbo people. The promise of overwhelming support may be more aspirational than guaranteed, especially considering the complex ethnic, economic, and political dynamics in the South-East. However, Kalu’s message seems aimed at shifting regional loyalty towards the ruling APC and positioning himself as a leading voice in Igbo politics.
Deputy Speaker Kalu’s endorsement of Tinubu for 2027 signals a notable political realignment in the South-East. Whether this translates into actual votes remains to be seen, but his remarks spotlight the importance of developmental equity and fulfilled promises in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
