Stakeholders from Umunna bloc in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia, have thrown their weight behind Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for a third term.
They said there is no zoning agreement in the area and that the people will not “replace experience with experiment” in 2027.
The position was unanimously adopted on Tuesday during a solidarity rally in Bende, Bende LGA.
Party leaders, stakeholders and supporters attended the event to declare support for Kalu’s re-election bid.
Leading the endorsement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bende North State Constituency, Chief Orji Udeagha, said Bende had witnessed quality representation.
“We cannot substitute the man with the gavel with a greenhorn. We have seen quality representation, and we will not trade our gold for ashes,” he declared.
Udeagha argued that equity favours Kalu’s return to the House.
He noted that the Umunna bloc held the seat for 16 consecutive years through the late Chief Mba Aja and former lawmaker, Nnenna Ukeje.
According to him, it is only fair that the Ikwuishi bloc is allowed to complete a similar tenure through the Deputy Speaker.
He added that Kalu has outperformed all previous representatives from Bende.
“This is the first time Bende is seeing this level of representation. We cannot afford to go back,” Udeagha added.
Former Chairman of Bende LGA, Chief Gabriel Okereke-Elendu, dismissed claims of a two-term zoning arrangement.
“When somebody comes today to talk about agreements, it baffles me.
“We have asked them to produce it, but nobody has produced even a sheet of paper,” he said.
Okereke-Elendu stated that if any agreement existed, Ukeje, whom he identified as his sister, would not have served for 12 years.
He said any future zoning decision should be made after Kalu completes 12 years, in consultation with stakeholders.
Other speakers, including former Bende LGA Chairman Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, APC Women Leader Mrs Ijeoma Anyaele, and stakeholders Ndubisi Anyim, Chidebre Okoh, and Benson Uwakwe, echoed the same position.
They affirmed that no rotational agreement exists and pledged total support for Kalu.
The leaders also advised Labour Party candidate, Chimaobi Anyaso, to step aside and support the Deputy Speaker.
They said Bende needs continuity and influence at the national level.
They listed Kalu’s achievements to include road construction in all wards across Bende.
The stakeholders also affirmed that Kalu attracted two federal institutions to the LGA in one legislative year.
Other projects cited include rural electrification, youth employment in federal agencies, and empowerment programmes.
The leaders said these interventions have brought the dividends of democracy to Bende people.
They stressed that Kalu’s position as Deputy Speaker gives Bende a unique advantage.
The leaders said Bende will stand with experience, performance, and national relevance.
The rally ended with a resolution to mobilise massively for Kalu’s return in 2027.
