Fresh indications emerged on Tuesday that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, may have dropped his governorship ambition and decided to seek re-election into the National Assembly.
Several sources who spoke to Punch said Kalu may now be gearing up for another shot at representing Bende Federal Constituency 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.
Presenting the forms in Abuja earlier this month, the group’s spokesman, James Uko-Kalu (SAN) said the Deputy Speaker was a bridge-builder and had shown in the National Assembly that he was a capable leader.
Responding then, Kalu said he would consult widely before taking any final decision.
“The purchase of this form is obviously a request for me to step up. I have received it gratefully and will, after due consultations, make my position known within the next one or two days,” he said.
Ally Confirms Reps’ Plan
A close ally of the Deputy Speaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kalu had decided to return to the National Assembly.
“It is true that he is coming back to the House, provided he wins the primaries and the election. He did talk 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 Kalu would be a strong contender against Governor Alex Otti’s re-election.
