The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “good product” ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Igbo nation to consider investing their political strength and votes in his re-election bid.
Speaking at a political dialogue held in Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday, Kalu emphasized that President Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and a genuine commitment to national inclusivity since assuming office in 2023. He argued that the South East region, which has historically faced political marginalization at the federal level, stands to gain significantly by aligning more strategically with the current administration.
“President Tinubu is a good product to market, especially as we look towards 2027,” Kalu said. “I am calling on the Igbos to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda. Investing our votes in him is not just about today, but about positioning ourselves properly for greater political relevance tomorrow.”
Kalu, who is the highest-ranking federal lawmaker from the South East, stated that under Tinubu’s leadership, the region has already started witnessing greater federal attention, including key appointments, infrastructure projects, and policy initiatives targeting economic revitalization.
He also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers across Igbo land to begin mobilizing grassroots support, noting that early engagement was crucial to overcoming the political inertia that has previously affected the region’s national bargaining power.
The Deputy Speaker’s comments come against the backdrop of rising political realignments across Nigeria, with various blocs already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. While some South East political figures have expressed intentions to push for a presidential bid from the region, Kalu maintained that building alliances and demonstrating loyalty were essential steps toward achieving long-term political aspirations.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders welcoming the call for strategic alignment, while others insist that the South East must prioritize producing its own presidential candidate in the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has yet to formally declare his intention to seek re-election, although close aides and political allies have hinted that the groundwork for 2027 is quietly being laid across various geopolitical zones.
