The Old Bende Young Professionals, a pan-political association, has come out in strong support of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, following his prediction of an APC victory in the 2027 Abia governorship election.
The group slammed the lawmaker representing Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, who they accused of failing to deliver results for his constituents. They called for Aguocha’s recall, citing his lack of performance.
The Old Bende Young Professionals highlighted Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu’s achievements, including the signing of the Southeast Development Commission bill into law, as evidence of his dedication to the region’s growth.
The young professionals in a statement issued on Monday and signed by Barr. Chima Kenneth Ogbonnaya (President), Prince Francis Ezeh (Vice President), and Hon. Chief Dike Chidozie (Secretary), urged the Labour Party to focus on selling their manifesto rather than disparaging the APC’s chances, expressing confidence that voters will choose the party that has consistently delivered on its promises.
The group also thanked President for signing the Southeast Development Commission bill and called for a political solution to the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
They concluded by emphasizing the need for accountable and results-driven leadership, expressing confidence that Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu is the leader who can deliver for Abia State.
Read statement below:
“As a pan-political association dedicated promoting the interests of the Old Bende people and Abians in general, we, the Old Bende Young Professionals, stand firmly behind our son, the Honourable Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu. His recent political prediction of an APC victory in the 2027 Abia governorship election is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Abia State.
“We take great exception to the Labour Party’s dismissive reaction, particularly from the accidental Hon Obinna Aguocha, who has failed to deliver meaningful results for his constituents but has taken up the role of unofficial spokesperson for the Governor while his contemporaries are busy attracting dividends of democracy to their various constituencies.
“Instead of politicizing sensitive issues like the release of Nnamdi Kanu, we urge the good people of the Umuahia/Ikwuano federal constituency to take immediate action and recall the accidental Hon Obinna Aguocha to avoid further embarrassment being brought to them by their own son.
“The recent signing of the Southeast Development Commission bill into law by the President is a shining example of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu’s dedication to the region’s growth. This landmark achievement, born out of his vision and perseverance, will bring about unprecedented development and opportunities for our people.
“Gone are the days when political waves swept unprepared individuals into power. The era of leadership by chance is behind us, and the time for purposeful, visionary leadership is upon us.
“Our people deserve a government that will work in tandem with the center to attract investments, create jobs, and improve living standards. Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu’s prediction is not just a statement of confidence in the APC’s chances but a call to action for all Abians to rally behind a proven leader who has consistently delivered on his promises.
“We will no longer tolerate representatives who prioritize political grandstanding over tangible results. It is time for accountability and leadership driven by results. The Old Bende Young Professionals will continue to promote the interests of our people, regardless of political affiliations. We will not let the Labour Party’s lackluster performance distract us from our mission to build a better future for Abia State.
“We urge the Labour Party to focus on selling their manifesto to the people rather than disparaging the APC’s chances. The election will be decided by the voters, and we are confident that they will choose the party that has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver on its promises.
“We also use this medium to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for signing the Southeast Development Commission bill into law, a testament to his commitment to the region’s growth and development. This bill will bring significant infrastructural improvements, job creation, and economic opportunities to the Southeast, further solidifying our region’s role in the nation’s progress.
“Furthermore, we respectfully call on Mr. President to explore a political solution to the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a move that will further demonstrate his dedication to national unity and reconciliation.
“As we look forward to the 2027 Abia governorship election, we are confident that our state will align with the federal government, and the APC will be at the helm, driving progress and prosperity for all. The time for decisive, results-driven leadership has come, and Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu is the leader who can and will deliver for the people of Abia State.”
