Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has indicated his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.

Kalu made the announcement while addressing supporters in Isialangwa, emphasizing that an official declaration will be made at the state capital, Umuahia, which he described as the proper constitutional location for matters concerning the governorship.

He said, “I am now in Isialangwa, and they’re saying, ‘Come and run for governor.’ The same way I answered the people of Bende, the same way I answered the people of Obingwa, is the same way I will answer you.

“I have received your request for me to run for governor of Abia State, but I will respond. I will respond in the coming days because I don’t want to do it local government by local government. I want to invite all of you to the capital.

“When we talk about governorship, when we talk about leading the people of Abia State, there is only one place the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has listed as the right place, the right jurisdiction to exercise the power of the office of the governor, and that is not in any other place but Umuahia.

“It will not be in Isialangwa. It will not be in Obingwa or Aba. It will be in Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in a few days to come. All of you will come in your numbers and make that request again there at the state capital. When I hear it clearly on that day, I will respond.”

Kalu’s statement is being seen as a clear signal of his entry into the 2027 governorship race, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive contest in the state.