Fresh indications came on Tuesday that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, may have shelved his governorship ambition and opted to seek re-election into the National Assembly.
Several sources who spoke to Punch said Kalu may now be getting ready to vie for another term to represent 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 hold on to his seat in the Green Chamber.
The development comes weeks after some political stakeholders bought the expression of interest and nomination forms of the APC for Kalu, urging him to contest the Abia governorship election.
The group’s spokesman, James Uko-Kalu (SAN), while presenting the forms in Abuja earlier this month, said the Deputy Speaker was a bridge-builder whose performance in the National Assembly had demonstrated that he was a capable leader.
Kalu said he would consult widely before taking any final decision.
“The purchase of this form is clearly a request for me to step up. I have received it gratefully, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known,” he said.
Ally Confirms Reps’ Plan
A close ally of the Deputy Speaker, speaking 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, subject to him scaling the primaries and winning the election. He did talk about becoming 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 that Kalu would emerge as a strong contender against Governor Alex Otti’s re-election.
