Fresh indications emerged Tuesday that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, might have dropped his governorship ambition and decided to seek re-election into the National Assembly.
Sources who spoke to Punch said Kalu may now be preparing for another run at the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
One of the indications was his reported appearance before the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee in Abuja on Sunday, a move believed to be a signal of his intention to retain his seat in the Green Chamber.
The development comes weeks after some political stakeholders bought the APC governorship expression of interest and nomination forms for Kalu, urging him to contest the Abia governorship election.
The group’s spokesman, James Uko-Kalu (SAN), who presented the forms in Abuja earlier this month, said the Deputy Speaker was a bridge-builder and had shown in the National Assembly that he was a capable leader.
Kalu then said he would consult widely before taking any final decision.
“The buying of this form is obviously a call to me to step up. I have gratefully received it and after due consultations, my position will be made known within the next one or two days,” he said.
Ally Confirms Reps’ Plan
Kalu had decided to return to the National Assembly, a close ally of the Deputy Speaker said, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
It is true that he is returning to the House, if he wins the primaries and the election. He did speak about being a governor but you know, one plus one is not always two in politics.
“He has consulted widely and there is a chance that the people want him to continue the good works he is doing in parliament,” the source said.
There had been widespread speculation that Kalu would be a strong contender against Governor Alex Otti’s re-election.
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