Chijioke Chukwu, former Minority Leader, Abia State House of Assembly, has debunked the speculation that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is ready to contest for the Abia North senatorial seat in 2027.
Chukwu, who is a close ally of the Deputy Speaker, debunked the speculation on Friday during an interview. He stated that the Deputy Speaker is occupied with his legislative duties at the House of Representatives.
He also explained that it is too early for anyone to assume that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu would make any hasty decision regarding his 2027 ambition, two years ahead. Chukwu emphasized that Kalu believes in destiny and the act of God.
In his words: “The Deputy Speaker believes in destiny and the act of God. He does not believe in rumour and speculation. He is a very focused and grassroots politician that knows his onions.”
Chukwu further accused an aide of a former governor from Abia North, who is from Item. He claimed that the aide is behind the malicious speculation, insisting that the Deputy Speaker is part of a big political family, and any decision about his 2027 ambition would be a collective one made by his political family.
“I can tell you categorically clear that no aide from Igbere made that statement. It’s an aide from Item—a mischievous aide—not of the Deputy Speaker but of a former governor. That statement, that publication, was made with the express knowledge of the former governor. I can tell you that. I have served the Deputy Speaker, I have served the former governor, and I know their modus operandi, and I can tell you who does what,” Chukwu said.
Chukwu also stated that the Deputy Speaker will engage in extensive consultations before making his next political ambition public.
He therefore urged Abians to disregard such fake news and continue supporting Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in his quest to succeed as Deputy Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
