Momentum is building around Abia State’s 2027 political race as a prominent pressure group throws its weight behind Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, while calling on former commissioner Dr. Philips Nto to declare for the Senate.
The Old Bende Political Forum says Kalu’s recent announcement to contest the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) signals a turning point for the state. The group is now pushing for what it describes as a “complete leadership package” by urging Nto to step into the Abia North senatorial contest.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mazi John Okafor, the forum described both men as strong contenders capable of delivering effective governance and representation. It argued that pairing Kalu’s governorship ambition with Nto’s senatorial bid would create a balanced and strategic leadership structure for Abia North.
The group went further, revealing plans to purchase nomination forms for both figures as part of efforts to encourage their participation in the race. It said the move reflects growing grassroots support for a leadership shift ahead of the 2027 elections.
“There is a clear demand for change,” the statement noted, adding that many residents are eager to see a new direction in both executive and legislative leadership. According to the forum, Kalu’s emergence as governor would require experienced hands at the Senate level to reinforce policy alignment and development goals.
Central to the group’s argument is the issue of zoning. It maintained that the governorship should rotate to Abia North, while the Abia North senatorial seat should move from Bende Federal Constituency to Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, in line with established political arrangements.
The forum also pointed to the internal crisis that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, blaming it on disregard for zoning principles and what it described as leadership impunity. It warned against repeating such mistakes, stressing that political stability depends on fairness and inclusiveness.
Looking ahead, the group declared its intention to mobilise voters across Abia State in support of the APC in 2027. It argued that aligning with the federal government would unlock more development opportunities for the state.
“We have seen the impact of the current administration at the centre,” the statement said. “With Benjamin Kalu and Philips Nto, Abia is positioned to benefit more and achieve a new phase of progress.”
