The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that any decision for him to contest the governorship of Abia State must come from his political party.

Speaking with journalists in his hometown of Bende, Bende Local Government Area, Kalu stated that although the governorship position is significant, his political aspirations go beyond occupying that office.

According to him, “It is the call from the party that will make me run if they find me worthy. Political ambition does not end with being a governor. I can contribute beyond that level. Being governor is not the ultimate goal. I have no reason to be in politics other than to serve the people.

“What we are faced with now is governance, and my mandate is to deliver. This is not the time to declare for any office; it is the time to focus on governance and engage my people to better understand their challenges.”

On his efforts to persuade Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Deputy Speaker said the state remains politically isolated at the federal level.

“I appealed to him to join the APC because he was part of those who strengthened the party in Abia. His joining would have opened more opportunities for our people. Governor Otti is my friend, and my call was made in good faith. Had he accepted, Abia would not have been disadvantaged.

“However, since he has declined, the party will have to present another candidate. I have spoken to him several times with sincere intentions, but we cannot continue the invitation indefinitely. I am not self-centred; otherwise, I would not have invited him to come and take over,” Kalu said.

Responding to questions on the prospects of a South-East presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, Kalu urged people from the region to build stronger alliances with other geopolitical zones to gain broader national support.

On the issue of local government autonomy, the Deputy Speaker observed that weaknesses still exist in local government administration nationwide, noting that effective local councils would significantly reduce the burden on state governors.

He also commended governors in the South-East for their efforts in sustaining peace and stability across the region.