The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has been returned unopposed as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Bende Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu secured the party’s ticket during the APC primary conducted on Saturday across the 13 electoral wards in the constituency.

The wards where the exercise took place include Alayi, Bende, Ezeukwu, Igbere, Item, Itumbuzo, Nkpa, Ntalakwu, Ozuitem, Ugwueke, Umu-Imenyi, Umuhu-Ezechi and Uzuakoli.

The primary attracted a significant turnout of party faithful and stakeholders from different parts of the constituency.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, it was disclosed that party leaders, ward executives and delegates unanimously endorsed Kalu for another term in the House of Representatives.

The stakeholders praised his contributions in the National Assembly as well as the constituency projects executed during his time in office.

They noted that his emergence without opposition reflected the trust and confidence APC members and constituents have in his leadership.

Kalu was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2019 and rose to the position of Deputy Speaker in 2023. He has since remained one of the leading figures of the APC in the South-East region.

Reacting to the development, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to party members, traditional rulers, youths and women groups for their continued support.

He also assured constituents of his commitment to sustaining inclusive governance and pursuing policies aimed at improving the welfare and economic opportunities of the people of Bende.

According to the statement, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed his resolve to continue delivering democratic dividends to the constituency.