Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not rely on federal power to win the 2027 governorship election in Abia State, but will instead use the votes of the people.

Kalu made this known in Umuahia on Sunday while addressing members of the Renewed Hope Partners and other APC faithful. He urged residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, stressing that their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will serve as the tool to change the leadership of the state come 2027.

“We are not going to take over this state by force. Some people think we want to use federal power — no! We are going to use the votes of the masses,” Kalu declared.

The Deputy Speaker criticized the Labour Party (LP)-led administration in Abia for poor performance, arguing that past governors Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu achieved more with smaller monthly allocations. According to him, the current government receives larger FAAC funds yet has little to show for it.

Kalu also expressed confidence that Abians will support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, citing the President’s developmental efforts and financial support to states. Despite facing backlash from some quarters for his criticisms, Kalu maintained that he will continue speaking the truth as the leader of the opposition in Abia State.