As Abians await the formal public declaration of Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to contest the governorship of Abia State, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning Planning, Dr Philips Nto has been urged to follow suit and declare for the Abia North Senatorial seat immediately.
Reacting to people’s intention for Kalu to contest the 2027 governorship election under the platform of All Progressives Congress ( APC), Old Bende Political Forum, said it welcomed the political development and pushed for Dr Philips Nto to also declare interest for senatorial race to complement the ticket.
It said that as part of the broader step to encourage the best representation in all aspects of governance, the members have decided to purchase nomination forms for the two prospective aspirants.
In a statement, by the group’s Chairman, Mazi John Okafor, it described Ben Kalu and Dr Philips Nto as the best candidates for the two top posts especially as they relate to the interests of Abia people and Abia North Senatorial zone.
According to the group, the people of Abia are looking for a change of leadership at the two top levels so as to usher a new lease of life for them.
” As we prepare for Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu to assume his rightful position as the governor of Abia State, we need quality people at the Senate like Philips Nto to complement his efforts “
It argued that the election of the two Abia candidates will strengthen the zoning formula in the state, since the governorship should rotate to Abia North whereas the Senate seat should leave Bende Federal Constituency to Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency.
It noted that the political crisis that led to PDP losing the 2023 election was the party’s disregard for the zoning system and the impunity of the leadership.
Old Bende Political Forum insisted that for political realignment and good governance, the people of Abia State needed to elect Ben Kalu as the governor and Dr. Philips Nto as the Senator representing Abia North.
The group announced the mobilisation of Abia people towards voting for APC in 2027 so that the state will align with the centre.
” We have all seen what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing for Abia State. We need to align with the centre to benefit more and now that we have our first eleven in Ben Kalu and Philips Nto, we are closer to the realization of our vision for the state “, the group submitted
