The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said he will soon make a formal announcement on whether he will contest the Abia State governorship election in 2027, following mounting pressure from supporters across the state.

Kalu made the remark at a gathering of All Progressives Congress stakeholders and supporters in Umuahia, where party members from Abia South, Abia Central, and Abia North jointly endorsed him as their preferred candidate.

The stakeholders urged him to enter the race, describing him as a unifying figure capable of addressing governance gaps and delivering inclusive development in the state.

Responding, Kalu acknowledged the widespread calls for his candidacy, noting that he had received similar appeals from all 17 local government areas of Abia State. However, he stopped short of declaring his intention, saying his decision would be made public in the coming weeks.

“On your request for me to contest for governor, I have received the same request from several local governments. My response will be made available in a few weeks’ time,” he said.

He thanked his supporters for their confidence and stressed that his final position would be communicated after wider consultations.

Kalu also urged party members to remain united and intensify mobilisation efforts, adding that any future declaration would align with broader political consultations within the state.

He further reiterated that the APC’s immediate focus remains the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, calling on supporters to continue backing the party’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Several stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their support for Kalu, insisting he is well-positioned to lead Abia State should he eventually enter the governorship race.