Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has offered a stirring message of reassurance to Abia State APC aspirants who did not clinch tickets in the recently concluded party primaries, telling them their participation was not a failure but the beginning of a new journey of recognition and reward.
Speaking at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu commended the courage of aspirants who stepped forward for various elective offices, insisting that the very act of contesting was itself significant.
“You didn’t fail. You stepped forward to be recognized and this is the commencement of your recognition. It’s not about the money you spent but availability. You made yourself available for the party. That is priceless and for that I want to say thank you,” the Deputy Speaker declared.
Kalu dismissed the notion that those who did not secure tickets had lost anything fundamental, framing their boldness and financial commitment as building blocks for the party’s future in Abia State. “For the fact that you bought your form for whatever level to participate in the growth of this party, you will never go unblessed,” he said.
Pointing to the surge of interest in APC tickets as evidence of the party’s rising profile in Abia, Kalu told the gathering: “Before now, this party was not this enticing. The longing and hunger for the ticket of this party was not this robust and inviting. But look around you and see the energy and the surge into our party.”
The Deputy Speaker then turned his sights firmly toward 2027, tying the aspirants’ futures directly to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign. “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is coming back for a second term, by God’s Grace. The President is expecting a lot from Abia State. Are we going to fail Mr. President? We will not,” Kalu charged.
He urged aspirants to think beyond their immediate ambitions, promising that the party structure would position loyal members beyond even their own expectations. “You might be looking for House of Assembly, House of Representatives or the Senate. A very good ambition — but the recognition that the party had put in place might catapult you beyond your dreams if you are consistent,” he said.
Kalu also directed all candidates who emerged from the primaries to reach out to those who did not secure tickets, emphasising unity as a non-negotiable condition for victory. “To every candidate, make sure you carry other aspirants along. Reach out to those who did not get tickets. All of you are very important to Mr. President, to the guber candidate, and to the party,” he stated.
He closed with a rallying call: “You are the backbone of this party. Don’t leave it for anybody. Own your party. Please, let us join our hands together for the greater good of Abia State and Nigeria.”
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