Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has assured that President Bola Tinubu will receive between 70 to 80 percent of the votes from the South-East in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu explained that this support is a way for the Igbo people to show their appreciation for Tinubu’s efforts toward developing the region.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu reiterated that the South-East would back Tinubu in the 2027 election to acknowledge his commitment to fulfilling long-standing promises to the Igbo community.

Kalu commended President Tinubu for addressing the South-East’s needs, particularly through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), a project no previous president had implemented despite decades of unfulfilled promises to the Igbo people after the Nigerian Civil War.

He pointed out that no other president had met these post-war promises like Tinubu, referring to the 50-year gap during which previous administrations neglected to support the South-East’s development, particularly in terms of infrastructure and rural development.

Kalu emphasized that Tinubu not only signed the SEDC bill into law but also ensured that it was properly funded, despite doubts from critics. He highlighted this as evidence of Tinubu’s genuine commitment to the Igbo people and his vision for a united Nigeria through development in Igboland.

“We remember those who love us,” Kalu said, stressing that the Igbo community would not forget Tinubu’s actions in improving their lives.

Kalu’s statements are seen as part of a broader effort to secure Tinubu’s support in the South-East for the upcoming 2027 election. They also serve to enhance Kalu’s own position within the APC, positioning him as a key figure in the party’s outreach to the region.

This pledge is significant because the South-East has traditionally supported the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and, more recently, the Labour Party (LP), especially after Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. Kalu’s pledge indicates that the APC may be gaining ground in the region, with Tinubu’s growing appeal potentially shifting the political landscape.

As the 2027 election draws nearer, Kalu’s commitment could play a pivotal role in changing the political dynamics of the South-East. Tinubu’s efforts in addressing historical grievances and prioritizing regional development may be crucial in securing important votes, potentially shaping the outcome of the election.

Kalu’s early endorsement sets the stage for a highly competitive race, with Tinubu’s appeal in the South-East likely to influence the strategies of opposition parties.