The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has received fresh endorsements for his third-term bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, with traditional rulers and religious leaders across Bende declaring their support for his re-election.
The endorsements were made during separate engagements with the Deputy Speaker as part of his ongoing “Meet Your Constituents” consultation programme, designed to present his stewardship, interact with constituents and receive feedback on his representation.
According to a statement issued by Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, the latest endorsements came from the Umunna Traditional Rulers Council, comprising monarchs from Item, Alayi, Igbere and Ezeukwu communities, as well as leaders of the Methodist Church.
The development follows a similar endorsement recently given by the Bende South State Constituency (Ikwuisi) Traditional Rulers Council, which also dismissed claims of an existing zoning arrangement for the Bende Federal Constituency seat.
The statement added that other groups, including the Bende Political Forum, market women and commercial motorcycle operators, have also expressed support for Kalu’s re-election, citing his legislative achievements and constituency development projects.
Speaking during a meeting held at the palace of Eze Kalu Okorie Ezeukwu in Bende, the traditional rulers commended the Deputy Speaker for what they described as outstanding representation and unanimously endorsed his bid for a third term.
On behalf of the monarchs, Eze Kalu Okorie praised Kalu for attracting numerous developmental projects to Bende, saying the traditional institution was proud of his achievements.
Also speaking, Eze Innocent Kalu Mba described Kalu as the best lawmaker to have represented Bende Federal Constituency, noting that his performance and visibility at the National Assembly had brought pride to the people of the area.
The royal fathers dismissed suggestions of a zoning agreement to rotate the House of Representatives seat away from Kalu, insisting that their support was based solely on his performance and the development he had attracted to the constituency.
Responding, Kalu expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers and clergy for their confidence and support, describing the endorsements as a validation of his stewardship and commitment to the people.
He highlighted some of his achievements, including the establishment of the Federal College of Education, Bende, and the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, saying the institutions would create thousands of jobs and accelerate development in the area.
As part of the engagement, the Deputy Speaker donated buses to the Umunna Traditional Rulers Council and the Bende South State Constituency (Ikwuisi) Traditional Rulers Council to enhance their mobility and support their activities.
At a separate meeting held at the Methodist Cathedral, Uzuakoli, religious leaders led by the Bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Uzuakoli, Bishop James A. Anyanwu, alongside the Most Rev. Bishop Nwaulo Ikechukwu Emezie of the Methodist Diocese of Item, also endorsed Kalu’s third-term ambition.
The church leaders appealed for greater support for church-owned institutions and facilities serving communities in Bende, urging the Deputy Speaker to assist in improving their infrastructure.
In response, Kalu assured the church leaders that their requests would be incorporated into the constituency’s development plans and disclosed that provisions had been made in the budget for programmes aimed at youth reformation and development.
He further announced plans to convene a technical session involving about 130 religious leaders to discuss the planning and implementation of selected constituency projects.
The church leaders subsequently declared their support for Kalu’s re-election, reinforcing what the Deputy Speaker’s office described as growing backing from traditional institutions, religious bodies and community groups across Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
