The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bende Federal Constituency following a consensus-based primary election held on Saturday.
Kalu was returned unopposed after party members across the 13 wards in the constituency unanimously affirmed his candidacy during the exercise, which was conducted under the supervision of the party’s election committee.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the affirmation process took place across wards including Alayi, Bende, Igbere, Item, Uzuakoli and others, with a large turnout of party members, stakeholders, youth groups and women associations.
The exercise, which began at the ward level, was largely peaceful and recorded strong participation from delegates and APC stakeholders, who endorsed Kalu’s return bid for a third term in office.
Many party members praised his legislative performance, describing his tenure as effective and development-focused, particularly in terms of grassroots representation and constituency projects.
They also expressed confidence in his leadership, stating that his unopposed emergence reflected widespread acceptance within the constituency.
Speaking after his affirmation, Benjamin Kalu thanked party members, traditional leaders, youth groups and constituents for their continued support.
He pledged to deepen his development agenda for the constituency, promising improved representation, expanded opportunities, and policies aimed at strengthening local economic growth.
He said he would continue to work for “quality representation and developmental initiatives aimed at uplifting communities across Bende Federal Constituency.”
The Chairman of the APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee for Abia State, Mr Erasmus Cishak, described the process as peaceful and transparent, assuring party members of fairness throughout the exercise.
He urged aspirants and stakeholders to remain orderly and abide by party guidelines, adding that the APC remained committed to credible and hitch-free primaries across the state.