You Didn’t Fail” — Benjamin Kalu Reassures Abia APC Aspirants Ahead of 2027
“As political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has delivered a deeply emotional and strategic message to disappointed APC aspirants in Abia State, assuring them that their sacrifices, loyalty, and investments in the party will not be forgotten.”
“Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has assured former APC aspirants in Abia State that their participation in the party primaries was not a failure. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Kalu described their sacrifices as “priceless,” promising that loyal members who remain committed to the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid would be rewarded politically.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has assured former aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State that their participation in the party’s recent primaries was not in vain, describing their sacrifices and loyalty as “priceless” investments in the future of the party.
Speaking during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu praised aspirants who purchased nomination forms for various elective positions, insisting that stepping forward to contest already marked them out as leaders within the party.
“You didn’t fail. You stepped forward to be recognized and this is the commencement of your recognition. It’s not about the money you spent but your availability. You made yourself available for the party. That is priceless and for that, I want to say thank you,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker dismissed the belief that aspirants who did not secure party tickets had failed politically. Instead, he described their participation as the beginning of a broader reward system within the APC.
According to him, their courage, financial commitment, and willingness to serve would not go unnoticed by the party leadership.
“For the fact that you bought your form for whatever level to participate in the growth of this party, you will never go unblessed. All of you here are amongst the first eleven because we are going to position you,” he stated.
Kalu further noted that the growing interest in APC tickets in Abia State reflects the party’s rising influence and acceptance among the people.
“I said so because before now, this party was not this enticing. The longing and hunger for the ticket of this party was not this robust and inviting. But look around you and see the energy and the surge into our party. That you are remaining here means you understand the times,” he said.
He also commended the aspirants for remaining steadfast despite limited ticket opportunities, adding that their actions demonstrated belief in the APC as a platform for the political advancement of Ndi Igbo.
“The courage you had to step out, that boldness, willingness to spend money and time, calling meetings — those are the elements that add to the wall of building our party. It may not have gone the way you wanted, but we are watching you. We are seeing that leadership spirit in you,” Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker linked the political future of the aspirants to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated second-term bid in 2027, stressing that the President expects strong electoral support from Abia State.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is coming back for a second term, by God’s grace. The President is expecting a lot from Abia State. Are we going to fail Mr. President? We will not,” he declared.
“Whether you like it or not, in the coming election, we must prove ourselves. We must make a statement. You cannot make that statement with double-mindedness.”
Kalu urged party members not to become discouraged, insisting that loyalty and consistency would eventually produce political rewards.
“What you have done is labour of love. Faint not. Do not be weary because there is a harvest season. But this is only going to happen to those who are truthful,” he said.
Encouraging aspirants to think beyond their immediate ambitions, Kalu said the APC could elevate committed members beyond the offices they initially sought.
“You might be looking for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, or the Senate — very good ambitions. But the recognition that the party has put in place might catapult you beyond your dreams if you are consistent. It is not political talk,” he stated.
While expressing regret that available political offices were limited, the Deputy Speaker praised the quality of aspirants in the party, saying many were fully qualified to occupy elective positions.
“How I wished the offices were not limited. I would have had no regret giving all of you tickets. The quality of men I have seen here shows you are capable of occupying those positions. We will adjust and keep adjusting so that what we have will be enough for all of us,” he added.
Kalu also directed all candidates who emerged victorious in the primaries to reconcile with unsuccessful aspirants in order to strengthen party unity ahead of future elections.
“To every candidate, make sure you carry other aspirants along. Reach out to those who did not get tickets,” he said.
“All of you are very important to Mr. President. You are also very important to the governorship candidate. You are very important to the party and you should be treated that way — nothing more, nothing less.”
Describing the aspirants as the “backbone” of the APC in Abia State, Kalu urged members to remain committed to the party and work collectively for electoral success.
“You are the backbone of this party. Don’t leave it for anybody. Own your party. We are going to have a structure and system that will keep you relevant. Take APC as your enterprise. You have already invested.”
“Please, let us join our hands together for the greater good of Abia State and Nigeria,” Kalu said.
