2027: Anyaso declares LP bid to unseat Kalu
August 20, 2026 12:15 am
Businessman Chimaobi Anyaso
Businessman Chimaobi Anyaso has declared his intention to contest the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Labour Party, setting up a challenge to the incumbent, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Anyaso formally launched his campaign in Bende, according to a statement from his office obtained on Wednesday.
He said his campaign would focus on job creation, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and grassroots representation.
“This campaign is about the future of Bende. It is about our farmers, our young people, our mothers, our entrepreneurs and every community that deserves to feel the impact of representation,” he said.
Anyaso said concerns raised during consultations across the constituency included unemployment, poor infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and limited economic opportunities.
He said these issues would form the focus of his legislative agenda if elected.
“Our young people should not have to leave their communities because there are no opportunities. We must deliberately create the conditions that allow enterprise, agriculture, innovation and skills to thrive within Bende,” he said.
He also pledged to advocate federal programmes that would support farmers, traders, artisans and small businesses through access to finance, skills development and expanded markets.
The Labour Party candidate said his previous interventions in education, youth development, entrepreneurship and welfare would also inform his campaign.
The statement said the campaign would include town hall meetings and consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, farmers, traders and professionals across the constituency.
Anyaso also called for an issue-based campaign, urging political actors to avoid insults and allow voters to assess candidates based on their records and plans.
“This must not become a campaign of insults or bitterness. Let every candidate present his record, his ideas and his plans, and let the people of Bende decide the future they want,” he said.
He further pledged to support development initiatives in Abia State and attract federal interventions to the constituency through partnerships.
“Politics must ultimately translate into development. Our communities need roads, jobs, better healthcare, support for agriculture, opportunities for young people and a stronger voice,” Anyaso said.
The contest will see Anyaso challenge Kalu, who is seeking another term in the constituency.
Anyaso said his campaign would offer voters an alternative in the constituency.
“Bende deserves representation that listens, that is accessible, and that delivers. We are ready to offer that alternative, and ultimately, the people will decide,” he said.
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