Kalu positions for Reps return, may ditch gov bid
May 13, 2026 12:21 am
File Photo: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu
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Fresh revelations emerged on Tuesday that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, may have dropped a possible governorship bid and opted to seek a return to the House of Representatives.
Multiple sources who spoke with The PUNCH pointed to moves indicating that Kalu may have resorted to seeking re-election to represent Bende Federal Constituency.
Among the pointers was that the Deputy Speaker reportedly appeared before the APC screening committee on Sunday in Abuja, signalling his intention to retain his seat in the Green Chamber.
The development comes weeks after a group of political stakeholders purchased the All Progressives Congress governorship expression of interest and nomination forms for Kalu, urging him to contest the Abia governorship seat.
Presenting the forms to the Deputy Speaker in Abuja earlier this month, spokesman for the group, James Uko-Kalu (SAN), described Kalu as a bridge-builder whose performance in the National Assembly had distinguished him as a capable leader.
Responding at the time, Kalu said he would consult widely before taking a final decision on the governorship race.
“The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known,” he stated.
Speaking on the latest development, a close ally of the Deputy Speaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, affirmed that Kalu had settled for a return to the National Assembly.
“It is true that he is coming back to the House, subject to scaling the primaries and winning the election. He indeed spoke about becoming a governor, but you know, one plus one may not always be two in politics.
“He has consulted widely, and there is a chance the people want him to continue the good works he is doing in parliament,” the source said.
Kalu had been widely speculated to be a top challenge to Governor Alex Otti’s re-election.
Dirisu Yakubu is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience covering parliament, politics, and development issues. He specializes in reporting that provides context and insight into legislative and governance matters. Dirisu’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and impactful journalism.
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