The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Nigerians from the South, particularly the South-East, to unite behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, warning that disunity could weaken the region’s bargaining power at the national level.
Kalu made the call on Saturday during the South-East Stakeholders’ Meeting of the All Progressives Congress held in Enugu, Enugu State capital.
He stressed the need for the region to present a common political front ahead of the next general elections, cautioning that internal divisions could leave the South-East without sufficient votes to negotiate its interests at the federal level.
The deputy speaker advised politicians in the zone to invest their votes where they would yield tangible political returns, pointing to Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to implementing difficult but necessary reforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said, “We gather here at a defining moment in our nation’s political history, and indeed, in the political trajectory of our region.
“The message from President Bola Tinubu is clear: for our party to grow and for our polity to stabilise, we must prioritise unity. We must reach out to one another, set aside divisive tendencies, and work collectively to build a stronger, more cohesive APC.
“My brothers and sisters, politics is a game of numbers, not sentiments. The era of wasting our votes on emotional choices that yield no political capital is over.
“A vote cast where it does not count toward success is an opportunity lost at the negotiation table. We cannot ask for dividends where we have not invested. The vote in your hand is your currency for investment.”
According to Kalu, the most realistic path for the South-East to attain federal influence lies in building strong and strategic alliances over time.
“By supporting the South West and President Tinubu at this time, we strengthen trust, foster reciprocity, and cement our place at the centre of national decision-making,” he said.
Kalu urged the region to exercise caution in its political choices ahead of 2027 and warned against those seeking to isolate it with sectional sentiments.
“The southern political corridor must remain united. Any attempt to fracture this alliance leaves the South-East with insufficient votes to swing power but enough to alienate us further in the coming years. We must invest our votes where they will yield returns: in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are investing in this administration because President Tinubu has shown courage and leadership. Yes, the reforms were tough.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate tested our resilience. But today, we are seeing the fruits of that steadfastness. We must secure a resounding victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He commended the governors of Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu states for their efforts in strengthening the party in the region and called on party officials to mobilise members actively.
“I urge every leader, ward chairman, local government executive, and state official present to register large numbers across the South-East. Membership numbers translate to political power.
“They determine delegate strength at conventions, allocation of party positions, and our bargaining power in national conversations. Let us not be found wanting when these numbers are called upon,” he said.
Kalu also appealed to party leaders to accommodate new members joining the APC, stressing that politics is about addition, not subtraction.
“Every new member represents a vote, a family, a community. We must make them feel accepted and valued. Let us create an enabling environment where they can bring out their very best and contribute meaningfully to our collective success. A party that welcomes its members warmly is a party that grows exponentially.
“We must ensure that this mobilisation extends to the continuous voter registration exercise, as party membership only reaches its full potential when every supporter is also a duly registered voter prepared to cast their ballot,” Kalu concluded.
Source: Punch News
