Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu of the House of Representatives signaled his intention to enter the 2027 Abia governorship race.

Kalu stated that an important announcement about his governorship ambition will be made at the proper constitutional location in Umuahia, the center of the state's political authority.

He said, “I am now in Isialangwa, and they’re saying, ‘Come and run for governor.’ The same way I answered the people of Bende, the same way I answered the people of Obingwa, is the same way I will answer you.

“I have received your request for me to run for governor of Abia state, but I will respond. I will respond in the coming days because I don’t want to do it local government by local government. I want to invite all of you to the capital.

“When we talk about governorship, when we talk about leading the people of Abia State, there is only one place the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has listed as the right place, the right jurisdiction to exercise the power of the office of the governor, and that is not in any other place but Umuahia.

“It will not be in Isialangwa. It will not be in Obingwa or Aba. It will be in Umuahia. So wait for our invitation. We are going to invite you in a few days to come. All of you will come in your numbers and make that request again there at the state capital. When I hear it clearly on that day, I will respond.”