…Says Billboard Destruction Won’t Stop Bende’s Progress, Urges Continued Grassroots Mobilisation
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for peace among progressives in Bende following the destruction of APC campaign billboards in the area, urging supporters not to retaliate but to remain focused on grassroots mobilisation.
CDA News Nigeria reports that in a message to supporters, Kalu described the attacks and insults as “a sacrifice for the progress of our people and our place,” urging them to swallow the disrespect and continue marketing the party’s achievements.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the destruction of billboards but noted that the perpetrators had not destroyed “the dividends of democracy written in the hearts of the great people of Bende.” He pointed out that those responsible drove on roads built by his administration and used solar-powered streetlights provided to drive darkness away, while committing the alleged crimes.
“They drove on the roads we built using the solar-powered lights from solar we provided to drive darkness away to commit these crimes. We are not like them; we are with the people, and that’s what matters,” he said.
Kalu urged supporters to leave other political actors out of the Bende contest and focus on those running against them in the constituency. He warned against any attempt to rig the election, except by those who “planned to activate their wills.”
“Keep marching forward, keep making progress; it is beyond politics, it is the yellow movement, the colour of the brightest light of BENDEVELOPMENT. Follow peace with all men… it is not yet war time when battling is most appropriate. I assure you in such a time, we will not be found wanting,” he said.
The message follows reports that campaign billboards belonging to the Deputy Speaker and the APC, featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s image, were vandalised in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA. The APC had raised an alarm over the incident, calling on the police, DSS, and INEC to investigate.
Kalu’s appeal for restraint comes amid heightened political tensions in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC and Labour Party trading allegations over campaign material destruction and alleged plots to disrupt elections.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the identities of those who destroyed the billboards have not been independently established, and no official statement has been issued by security agencies on the matter as of the time of filing this report.
Source verification: Original reporting based on a message by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu to APC supporters in Bende. Claims about billboard destruction and the identities of those responsible have not been independently verified.
Editorial Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to accurate and balanced reporting. Allegations are attributed to their source.
Byline: By CDA News Nigeria Correspondent
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria. Contact: info@cdanews.ng, www.cdanews.ng, +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
