“APC Will No Longer Lose Elections in Abuja” — Benjamin Kalu Pledges to Mobilise Igbo Votes

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is determined to secure victory in the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

Kalu made the statement in Abuja on Friday while inaugurating a 138-member APC campaign council for the February 21 elections. As secretary of the council, he emphasized the party’s goal to “rewrite history” in the territory.

Addressing questions about engaging Igbo residents in the FCT, Kalu highlighted his role as a senior south-east representative in the federal government. He said his presence in leadership demonstrates inclusion for the Igbo community.

“As the most senior elective officeholder from the south-east, I represent Igbo leadership in governance. The community can see that they are not excluded or marginalised,” he said, noting that this visibility serves as a natural campaign tool.

Kalu also praised President Bola Tinubu for improvements across the FCT, emphasizing that residents can directly observe and benefit from government initiatives. He singled out FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for extending development projects beyond urban centres to grassroots communities.

“These achievements go beyond posters and jingles. The results are tangible, and that strengthens our campaign,” Kalu said.

Reflecting on past APC performance, he acknowledged that the party previously struggled in Abuja due to limited visible impact. The deputy speaker outlined plans for a grassroots-focused campaign spanning all six area councils and 68 wards.

“We will engage directly with residents, visiting homes and businesses to share the APC message. The narrative that APC loses elections in Abuja is over. We are rewriting history,” he stated.

The APC faced setbacks in the 2023 general election, losing the presidential vote and the FCT Senate seat to the Labour Party. In the 2022 FCT area council election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the chairmanship of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the territory’s largest council and location of Aso Rock.