The Old Bende Political Forum has thrown its weight behind Dr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Dr Philips Nto, a respected academic, for the 2027 General Elections.
The political pressure group says it will facilitate Kalu for governorship and Nto for Abia North Senatorial seat nomination processes under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement on Saturday in Umuahia, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr John Okafor, said that the move promotes credible leadership, citing that Kalu and Nto’s experience and capacity would address governance challenges.
The forum alleged that many Abia residents were reportedly eager for Kalu to declare his 2027 governorship contest intention.
It also urged Nto, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning and a former Provost, Abia State College of Education (Technical), to join the senatorial race for Abia North.
The group stated that the residents want a leadership shift at executive and legislative levels, seeking competence and inclusiveness.
The forum referenced the state’s zoning principle, arguing rotational representation enhances equity and stability.
It said that the governorship should rotate to Abia North, with the Senate seat reflecting balance among Federal constituencies.
The group said that it had begun mobilisation efforts to increase political participation, urging stakeholders to prioritise peaceful engagement and issue-based campaigns
