APC Support Group Lauds Benjamin Kalu for Massive Grassroots Growth in Abia
The political landscape of Abia State is witnessing a significant shift as the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensifies its efforts to reclaim dominance in the South-east. On Monday, January 5, 2026, a prominent support group, the APC South-east Mandate Forum, issued a glowing commendation of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, for his relentless drive in expanding the party’s grassroots base.
Despite Abia being currently governed by the Labour Party (LP), Kalu’s strategic community engagements and “people-centered” leadership are reportedly reshaping the state’s political dynamics. According to the forum, while other political leaders utilized the festive period for rest, Kalu remained “on the ground,” listening to local aspirations and rebuilding public confidence in the APC’s ability to deliver service-driven governance.
The “Kalu Effect”: Reshaping the Grassroots
The commendation from the Mandate Forum highlights a strategic shift from elite-centered politics to a more inclusive, bottom-up approach. Benjamin Kalu’s mobilization strategy has been described as a “hurricane of change” that transcends traditional political circles.
- Inclusive Engagement: Kalu’s efforts have targeted youth groups, market associations, women leaders, and traditional institutions, ensuring that the APC’s message of “Renewed Hope” reaches every corner of the 17 Local Government Areas.
- Stabilizing the Party: Beyond recruitment, Kalu has been instrumental in easing internal factional tensions within the Abia APC, restoring a sense of unity that has been missing in previous election cycles.
- National-Local Bridge: As the Deputy Speaker, Kalu is viewed as a vital link between federal authority and local development, a position he has used to attract projects and reassure defectors of the party’s credibility.
Massive Defections and Strategic Gains
The impact of Kalu’s leadership was most visible during the recent inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Obingwa LGA—historically a stronghold for opposition parties.
- High-Profile Defections: Over 100 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by former state officials, officially crossed over to the APC, citing Kalu’s transparency and legislative track record as primary motivators.
- Strategic Alignment: These defections are not merely numerical; they represent a strategic gain ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling that the APC is successfully positioning itself as the primary alternative to the incumbent Labour Party.
- Honoring the Leader: In a symbolic gesture of support, traditional leaders in Obingwa recently honored Kalu with a machete and traditional attire, signifying their recognition of him as a “strength of the people.”
| Key Milestone | Details of Achievement | Impact on Abia Politics |
|---|---|---|
| SME Support | ₦1 Billion package for 2,000 SMEs announced (Jan 2026). | Winning the hearts of the merchant class and entrepreneurs. |
| Grassroots Defections | Inauguration of Renewed Hope Partners in all 17 LGAs. | Eroding Labour Party (LP) and PDP strongholds ahead of 2027. |
| Legislative Impact | Sponsored 127 Bills and 50+ constituency projects. | Establishing Kalu as a “Service-Oriented” alternative leader. |
| Party Cohesion | Successful reconciliation of Abia APC factions during Yule visits. | Creating a united front to challenge the incumbent governor. |
| Religious Outreach | Distributed ₦100 Million and food items to 100+ churches. | Securing spiritual and community endorsements across the state. |
Looking Toward 2027: The Road to Reclaiming Abia
With the 2027 elections appearing on the horizon, the APC South-east Mandate Forum believes that Kalu’s “patient organizing” is the key to a convincing victory. The group emphasized that the current momentum is not a fluke but the result of Kalu’s consistent scorecard, which includes the sponsorship of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill and numerous infrastructure projects in the Bende Federal Constituency.
- Evolving Sentiment: Abians are reportedly moving away from “slogans” and looking toward “service,” a trend that Kalu has capitalized on by presenting his two-year scorecard for public critique.
- Sustainable Growth: Unlike previous “seasonal” political movements, the RHP initiative is designed to be a permanent structure for mobilizing voters and ensuring the APC wins the state for President Bola Tinubu in future polls.
Conclusion: A New Era of Leadership
The commendation of Benjamin Kalu is more than just a political pat on the back; it is an acknowledgement of a new era of leadership in Abia State. By prioritizing the grassroots and maintaining party cohesion, Kalu is successfully challenging the status quo. As the APC steadily regains its footing, the message from Umuahia is clear: the party is no longer just an observer in Abia politics—it is the leading contender for the future.
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