As Abians await Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu’s formal declaration for the governorship seat, a group is equally urging Dr Philips Nto, a former Finance Commissioner, to throw his hat into the ring for Abia North Senatorial seat.
Reacting to the desire of Many Abians for Kalu to run for the 2027 governorship election under the platform of All Progressives Congress ( APC), a political pressure group in the state, Old Bende Political Forum, described it as a welcomed political development and pushed for Dr Philips Nto to also join the senatorial race to complement the ticket.
The group which made its position known in a statement issued by its Chairman, Mazi John Okafor, said it has resolved to support both figures by facilitating their nomination processes, describing the move as part of a broader effort to promote what it termed credible leadership across key political offices.
The forum said Kalu and Nto possess the experience and capacity required to address governance challenges in the state and advance the interests of the people, particularly in Abia North Senatorial District.
It further noted that many residents were seeking a shift in leadership at both the executive and legislative levels, expressing the view that such a transition could open a new phase of development in the state.
“As political activities gather momentum ahead of 2027, there is a growing expectation among the people for leadership that reflects competence and inclusiveness. We believe that encouraging capable individuals to step forward is in the public interest,” the statement read.
The group also referenced the principle of zoning in the state’s political arrangement, arguing that adherence to rotational representation could enhance equity and stability. It maintained that the governorship should, in its view, rotate to Abia North, while the Abia North Senate seat should reflect balance among the federal constituencies within the district.
On recent political developments, the forum observed that internal disagreements within parties had influenced past electoral outcomes, and called for greater alignment with established political frameworks to strengthen governance.
It added that it had begun mobilisation efforts aimed at increasing political participation ahead of the 2027 elections, while urging stakeholders to prioritise peaceful engagement and issue based campaigns.
The group expressed optimism about the future political direction of Abia State, stating that constructive collaboration among leaders and citizens would be key to achieving sustainable development.
The development highlights early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Abia State and underscores the role of interest groups in shaping candidate emergence, public debate and electoral mobilisation.
Group Urges Ben Kalu, Nto to Run for Governor, Abia North Senate Seat
- Advertisement -
