Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, has called on leaders and voters in the South-East to deliberately back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying such a move would enhance the political leverage of the Igbo within Nigeria’s power structure.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, made the appeal on Monday while undertaking a round of courtesy visits across the Abia North, Abia Central and Abia South senatorial districts. The tour, according to him, was aimed at strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker described strategic political alignment as the most realistic path to producing an Igbo president. He noted that forging strong alliances especially by identifying with the ruling party and supporting the sitting president was essential to achieving that goal.

Kalu stressed that votes should be viewed as strategic assets rather than emotional tools, arguing that political influence is built through numbers, not sentiment.

“If you cast your vote where it does not contribute to success, you have lost your chance to sit at the negotiating table,” he said. “Politics runs on numbers. Our votes are the currency we use to negotiate.”

He explained that supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition would foster confidence, mutual trust and inclusion, thereby placing the South-East in a stronger position when future political realignments occur.

According to him, backing the President is the most practical political investment available to the region at this time, urging Igbo stakeholders to prioritise long-term strategy over emotional considerations.

Kalu also referenced President Tinubu’s New Year message, which encouraged political actors to promote national unity and inclusiveness. He said cooperation across party lines and internal harmony were vital to sustaining political stability in the country.

“Political leaders must consciously bridge divides, discard actions that fuel disunity and work together to build a stronger party and nation,” he stated.

As part of the tour, the Deputy Speaker paid visits to notable party elders, including former Abia State Governor and ex-Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu; Senator John Nwannunu; and former Managing Director of the defunct Hallmark Bank and APC chieftain, Sir Mac Wabara, among others.

The statement noted that deliberations during the meetings focused on party cohesion, grassroots engagement and continuous collaboration among APC stakeholders. Kalu also presented his two-year legislative performance report to the elder statesmen, inviting them to openly review his work.

“Leadership must be accountable. I asked them to evaluate my performance so I can improve,” he said.

He further urged party leaders to intensify mobilisation efforts at the grassroots, declaring that the party had moved beyond settling for the constitutional minimum of 25 per cent of votes in Abia State during presidential elections.

According to him, the APC now possesses the organisational strength, growing support base and political momentum required to secure a decisive victory for President Tinubu in the state in 2027.

Kalu expressed optimism that renewed unity and expanding grassroots backing had positioned the party for electoral success. In response, the elder statesmen commended his performance at the National Assembly, describing his legislative contributions as impactful and focused on improving the lives of the people.