A former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kassarachi Enyinna has said that Ukwa la Ngwa leadership did not endorse the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu to contest for the Abia Governorship seat in 2027.
He described the report purportedly attributing such endorsement to the group as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.
TheHintsNews reports that Kalu last Thursday played host to the leadership of the group in Umuahia led by a former commissioner, Elder Godwin Nna.
“We want to beg you, the state chairman and other well meaning Abians who are APC members that we all from Aba division, Ukwa la Ngwa have come here today to tell you that our people say that we want take over Abia State in totality. APC wants to take over Abia State in totality.
“That is what we came here to tell you. We know you have the capacity in mobilising the people of Abia State to get to the Promised Land. If there is any other person that is looking for this, that is not ready, let him give a chance for any other person that has the interest of this party. That’s the reason we came here,” Nna had said.
However, Enyinna in a statement issued Monday clarified that no such mandate or endorsement was given by the group.
Enyinna warned Kalu and the general public to be wary of political opportunists and self-serving individuals who employ divisive tactics for personal gain.
He cautioned political actors against manipulating the Deputy Speaker by promoting unrealistic ambitions designed to derail the current developmental trajectory in the state.
Enyinna, however, threw his weight behind the incumbent governor, Dr. Alex Otti, saying he has delivered remarkably in his two years in office and deserves a second term in 2027.
He said: “The attention of concerned stakeholders from the Ukwa la Ngwa nation has been drawn to an online publication by the Tribune on April 26, 2025, titled “Abia 2027: Reps Deputy Speaker, Kalu, urged to run for governorship position.”
“At no time had the leadership or elders of Ukwa la Ngwa mandated any group, individual, or failed politicians to speak on behalf of the people concerning the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.”
Enyinna urged Kalu to remain focused on his legislative responsibilities and service to his constituent, while warning against being misled by “fair-weather politicians” seeking relevance after contributing to the stagnation of the State under the previous administration.