Igbos Must Forge Political Alliances with South-West, North for Brighter Future – Deputy Speaker Kalu

In a passionate call for unity and strategic collaboration, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has urged leaders from the South-East region to build strong political partnerships with counterparts from the South-West, North, and other zones across Nigeria. Kalu emphasized that such alliances are essential for securing a prosperous political future for the Igbo people, insisting that no single zone can thrive in isolation.

Speaking to journalists at his country home in Bende, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, on Friday, Kalu highlighted the remarkable entrepreneurial achievements of the Igbos in various parts of the country. He argued that this same spirit of innovation and success should be channeled into politics through deliberate partnerships. “The Igbos need to partner with the South-West, the North, and other zones. Such partnerships will benefit us now and in the future,” Kalu stated.

Kalu’s remarks come amid growing discussions on regional alliances in Nigerian politics, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach. He further described a Southeast-Southwest alliance as the “shortest route” to achieving an Igbo presidency, a sentiment echoed in recent political discourse. The Deputy Speaker urged the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027, arguing that this would strengthen the Igbo community’s bargaining power within the national political landscape. “Supporting the South-West in this manner could pave the way for reciprocal backing in future cycles,” he added, drawing parallels to historical political inter-marriages that have fostered unity and influence.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed optimism about the returning peace in the South-East, a region that has faced security challenges in recent years, including attacks on police stations and other installations. He credited this positive development to the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), which he launched in December 2023. Kalu extended gratitude to President Tinubu, South-East governors, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support of the initiative, which has focused on non-kinetic approaches to conflict resolution.

Beyond national politics, Kalu called for closer collaboration between himself and the Abia State government to drive development, particularly in rural areas. He lamented instances where state and local government officials allegedly obstructed his efforts to construct educational and medical facilities for underserved communities. “Such cooperation is crucial to transforming our rural areas and improving the lives of our people,” he said.

Addressing recent allegations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was buying voters’ cards and National Identity Numbers (NIN) during the party’s e-registration exercise in Abia State, Kalu dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated falsehoods. He urged the public to disregard such rumors and focus on genuine political engagement.

Reactions to Kalu’s statements have been mixed, especially on social media platforms. Some users praised the call for alliances as a pragmatic step toward national unity and Igbo empowerment, noting historical precedents like the roles played by Nnamdi Azikiwe and Alex Ekwueme in past republics. Others criticized it as a “one-way proposal,” questioning what tangible benefits—such as infrastructure projects like river ports, free trade zones, or improved rail connections—the South-East would receive in return for support. One observer warned against “dishonesty” in coalitions, suggesting that the North has historically demanded subservience from the South-East without reciprocity. In the South-East, opinions vary, with some viewing the push as a personal political strategy, while others see it as a broader conversation on representation and loyalty.

Kalu’s advocacy aligns with broader calls for a united southern political corridor to back Tinubu in 2027, as discussed at recent APC stakeholders’ meetings in the South-East. Analysts believe these alliances could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics, potentially ending the “born-to-rule” mentality attributed to certain northern elements and promoting a more equitable power-sharing system.

As Nigeria navigates its complex ethnic and regional politics, Kalu’s message underscores the need for strategic partnerships to bridge divides and foster inclusive development. The Deputy Speaker, who recently received the national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), continues to position himself as a key figure in South-East political leadership.