The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has denied reports claiming he has declared his intention to contest the Abia State governorship election in 2027.
In a press release issued on Sunday, Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, described the circulating story attributed to an outlet called “Native Reporters” as “baseless, unfounded, and lacks credibility.”
“The Deputy Speaker has not made any declaration, either privately or publicly, to contest for the governorship of Abia State in 2027,” the statement read.
He emphasized that Kalu remains committed to fulfilling his current four-year mandate representing Bende Federal Constituency and serving Nigerians with dedication.
The Speaker’s aide urged the purported news platform to retract the report and adhere to journalistic standards of truth and accuracy. He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, advising media outlets to verify information before publication.
“The political family of the Deputy Speaker will announce his plans and intentions at the appropriate time,” it added.
Naijaonpoint reports that the denial comes amid ongoing political speculation in Abia State, where Kalu has previously expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would take control of the state in 2027, though he has not personally confirmed any gubernatorial ambition.