2027: Why I’m rallying support for Tinubu’s re- election-Kalu

By Msugh Ityokura

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that his decision to rally support for the second bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conspicuously stemmed from his display of statesmanship and the sense of belonging extended to the South East geopolitical zone.

He said that despite scoring low vote from the region in the 2023 elections, the President has continued to prioritize equitable distribution of high profile political offices across the country.

Kalu also said that the administration has pursued sincere policies and programmes that will put Nigeria on a good economic pedestal, saying it will not only benefit the present generation but also posterity.

The Deputy Speaker noted that the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC) by the government showcased Tinubu as a President that does not discriminate against any region.

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He added that the creation of the Commission which he said eluded the region for over 50 years since the end of the civil war, will help to heal the wounds sustained therefrom.

Kalu bared his mind when he received the members of the City Boy Movement led by its Abia State Coordinator and South East Zonal Leader, Mary Ikoku in his office.

Welcoming the group’s request to work with his Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a platform initiated to showcase Tinubu’s giant strides across the country, the Deputy Speaker said the collaboration with the City Boy Movement founded by the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu will be impactful.

He said: “I whole heartedly accept to be your zonal grand patron. It’s a show of hand of partnership between the Renewed Hope Partners and the City Boy Movement. We are going to work together to ensure that the vote that will come from the South East will be different now than it was before. We are going to go around the 5 eastern States. I know the responsibility of being a patron at the zonal level and I will not shy away from my responsibility. I can assure you the impact will be driven by our synergy when we come together. We will partner both within and outside the South East but our primary target is the South East.

“The President is proud of you and this marriage willl give you a boost. I am committed to this and sincerely so because this is a man we did not give enough vote but has given us a lot. Other Presidents came and left. No body thought it wise to fulfill the promise of 50 years of reconciliation, reconstruction and reintegration by the Gowon regime. Using the South East Development Commissions, the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu has fulfilled that promise. So, with that platform, we are going to heal the wounds of the South East. Many said he was going to sign it but he did and very soon, the impact of this government is going to be felt through that platform. That’s why I believe in him.”

The Deputy Speaker also urged the South East to support the President’s reelection bid.

“Igbo should participate and stop sitting outside the room. Spliting our vote has not given us the strength we need on the negotiation table. The only way Igbo will feel included and feel the power of inclusion and the benefits of it is when we include our vote. Let our vote count and then, the region will count much more”, he said.

Earlier in her presentation, the Zonal Leader of City Boy Movement, Mary Ikoku who lauded the legislative legacies of the Deputy Speaker said they would like to partner with Kalu’s RHP to realize the second term ambition of President Tinubu.

“It is with great pleasure that we gather today to pay tribute to your exceptional leadership and dedication to the progress of our beloved South East region and our country. Your tireless efforts in promoting peace and stability through the Peace in the Southeast project have been truly remarkable, fostering an environment conducive to growth, development, and prosperity.

“Your commitment to the ideals of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your impressive legislative record, both locally and internationally, have earned you the respect and admiration of our movement.

“Recently, you unveiled the Renewed Hope Partners, a special purpose vehicle to ensure the vision and policies of the President are communicated to the relevant publics and, in turn, cause his re-election based on empirical evidence of his works. We’ve watched you represent our country, and we love the way you love and promote Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the city boy on whose name this organisation, was formed.

“We are here to offer you our readiness for partnership with Renewed Hope Partners. We will work collaboratively with RHP to achieve the great vision for 2027. In recognition of your outstanding contributions, we, the South East City Boy movement, are proud to confer upon you the title of South East Patron. This honour is a testament to your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the development of our region”, she said.