APC: History, Zoning Don’t Favour Chima Anyaso’s Bende Ambition

As the political battle for Bende Federal Constituency gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on Labour Party stalwart Chima Anyaso, insisting that history, zoning and political capacity are firmly against his ambition. The ruling party also declared that Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains unbeatable, setting the stage for what could become one of Abia’s fiercest political contests.

The political rivalry in Abia State has intensified as the All Progressives Congress (APC) launched a blistering attack on Labour Party chieftain Chima Anyaso, insisting that history, zoning and political capacity do not support his ambition to represent Bende Federal Constituency. In a strongly worded statement, the party also declared that Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains the overwhelming favourite ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Labour Party’s position on zoning in Bende Federal Constituency, arguing that historical power rotation does not favour Chima Anyaso. The party maintained that Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s legislative record, experience and political achievements make him the preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Labour Party’s position on the zoning debate in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the opposition’s response to its earlier statement as “weak, emotional and devoid of logical arguments.”

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Abia State Chapter, the party said it was compelled to respond in order to “set the record straight” and prevent what it described as attempts to mislead the public.
According to the APC, the Labour Party’s response relied heavily on personal attacks and name-calling rather than facts.

The party also criticised what it described as attempts to portray Labour Party chieftain Chima Anyaso as a symbol of intellectual excellence.

“It is unfortunate that the Labour Party is labouring so hard to convince the public that a man who graduated with a Third Class degree from Ebonyi State University is now its model of intelligence,” the statement said.

The APC further argued that addressing meetings or receiving honorary recognitions should not be mistaken for demonstrated intellectual capacity.

Responding to the zoning debate, the party reiterated that the APC does not operate a zoning or rotational arrangement in selecting candidates.

However, it argued that even if such a political understanding existed in Bende Federal Constituency, it would still not favour Chima Anyaso or Bende North.

According to the party, Bende South has occupied the House of Representatives seat for only eight years through Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whereas Bende North previously held the position for sixteen years under former lawmaker Hon. Nnenna Ukeje.

“Therefore, if zoning were to be applied, simple political logic suggests that Bende South should complete the same sixteen-year cycle before any rotation can be contemplated,” the APC stated.

The party further maintained that Bende North has already produced a governor, a sixteen-year House of Representatives member and currently has a serving senator, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

It insisted that historical precedents do not support another immediate return of the House of Representatives seat to the area.
The APC also questioned Chima Anyaso’s political credentials and electoral strength, arguing that he lacks the experience and capacity required to represent what it described as “a politically sophisticated constituency.”

Drawing comparisons with Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the party highlighted Kalu’s legislative achievements, international engagements and academic lectures delivered at respected institutions.

The statement referenced Kalu’s recent appearances at Chatham House, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the UK Parliament and other international platforms as evidence of his growing global influence.

It further noted that the Benjamin Kalu Foundation had been awarding scholarships to students from Bende since 2003, long before Chima Anyaso completed his university education.

On Labour Party’s internal democracy, the APC alleged that the opposition lacked a transparent primary election process and accused its leadership of imposing candidates rather than allowing party members to decide.
The ruling party concluded by expressing confidence that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu would secure victory in the 2027 House of Representatives election for Bende Federal Constituency.

According to the statement, the APC believes the election outcome will reaffirm the Deputy Speaker’s popularity and continued acceptance among constituents.
The statement was signed by the Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter.

APC Dismisses Chima Anyaso’s Bende Ambition, Says History, Zoning and Capacity Do Not Favour Labour Party

As the political battle for Bende Federal Constituency gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on Labour Party stalwart Chima Anyaso, insisting that history, zoning and political capacity are firmly against his ambition. The ruling party also declared that Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains unbeatable, setting the stage for what could become one of Abia’s fiercest political contests.

The political rivalry in Abia State has intensified as the All Progressives Congress (APC) launched a blistering attack on Labour Party chieftain Chima Anyaso, insisting that history, zoning and political capacity do not support his ambition to represent Bende Federal Constituency. In a strongly worded statement, the party also declared that Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu remains the overwhelming favourite ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Labour Party’s position on zoning in Bende Federal Constituency, arguing that historical power rotation does not favour Chima Anyaso. The party maintained that Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s legislative record, experience and political achievements make him the preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Labour Party’s position on the zoning debate in Bende Federal Constituency, describing the opposition’s response to its earlier statement as “weak, emotional and devoid of logical arguments.”

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the APC, Abia State Chapter, the party said it was compelled to respond in order to “set the record straight” and prevent what it described as attempts to mislead the public.
According to the APC, the Labour Party’s response relied heavily on personal attacks and name-calling rather than facts.

The party also criticised what it described as attempts to portray Labour Party chieftain Chima Anyaso as a symbol of intellectual excellence.

“It is unfortunate that the Labour Party is labouring so hard to convince the public that a man who graduated with a Third Class degree from Ebonyi State University is now its model of intelligence,” the statement said.

The APC further argued that addressing meetings or receiving honorary recognitions should not be mistaken for demonstrated intellectual capacity.

Responding to the zoning debate, the party reiterated that the APC does not operate a zoning or rotational arrangement in selecting candidates.

However, it argued that even if such a political understanding existed in Bende Federal Constituency, it would still not favour Chima Anyaso or Bende North.

According to the party, Bende South has occupied the House of Representatives seat for only eight years through Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whereas Bende North previously held the position for sixteen years under former lawmaker Hon. Nnenna Ukeje.

“Therefore, if zoning were to be applied, simple political logic suggests that Bende South should complete the same sixteen-year cycle before any rotation can be contemplated,” the APC stated.

The party further maintained that Bende North has already produced a governor, a sixteen-year House of Representatives member and currently has a serving senator, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

It insisted that historical precedents do not support another immediate return of the House of Representatives seat to the area.
The APC also questioned Chima Anyaso’s political credentials and electoral strength, arguing that he lacks the experience and capacity required to represent what it described as “a politically sophisticated constituency.”

Drawing comparisons with Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the party highlighted Kalu’s legislative achievements, international engagements and academic lectures delivered at respected institutions.

The statement referenced Kalu’s recent appearances at Chatham House, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the UK Parliament and other international platforms as evidence of his growing global influence.

It further noted that the Benjamin Kalu Foundation had been awarding scholarships to students from Bende since 2003, long before Chima Anyaso completed his university education.

On Labour Party’s internal democracy, the APC alleged that the opposition lacked a transparent primary election process and accused its leadership of imposing candidates rather than allowing party members to decide.
The ruling party concluded by expressing confidence that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu would secure victory in the 2027 House of Representatives election for Bende Federal Constituency.

According to the statement, the APC believes the election outcome will reaffirm the Deputy Speaker’s popularity and continued acceptance among constituents.
The statement was signed by the Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter.