Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, declared on Monday that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 remains a “done deal”.
The Lawmaker praised President Tinubu administration’s performance and focus on youth empowerment.
Speaking in Abuja while meeting with members of the Abia State chapter of the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu youth group led by coordinator Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, Kalu expressed strong confidence in the President’s prospects.
“As for 2027, it is a done deal. We will campaign with our policies and projects,” he said.
Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also seen as an ally of President Tinubu, portrayed the President as a “youth-friendly leader” who has made a “deliberate, intentional effort” to elevate young talent.
“If you take a good look at the composition of his team, you will find the best brains harvested from the youth population of our country,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that President Tinubu’s strategy prioritizes long-term legacy over short-term popularity.
“Mr. President is thinking of legacy, not applause,” Kalu added.
“It takes a man who understands the Nigeria of tomorrow to begin to invest in the leaders that will take care of that tomorrow.”
The City Boy Movement, Kalu said, extends beyond electoral politics to foster future leaders.
“People think that City Boy Movement is about Mr. President’s re-election. No, it is a platform for the selection of leaders that will lead this country in time to come,” he stated.
Urging young Nigerians to prepare for leadership, he warned: “Batons are not handed over to those who are sitting as spectators, only those who are in the race will receive the baton.”
Kalu highlighted infrastructure gains in the Federal Capital Territory under Minister Nyesom Wike, whose projects served as the campaign backbone in recent local elections.
“In the just concluded FCT Council election, we didn’t go into that campaign with only jingles and posters. We went with the physical work of Wike. His work was our campaign poster,” he said.
He also mentioned his support group, Renewed Hope Partners, which has mobilized grassroots backing in Abia State and plans to collaborate with the City Boy Movement.
Igbokwe, for his part, said the group sought partnership with Kalu’s office to advance shared goals.
The delegation presented Deputy Speaker Kalu with the movement’s flag and a face cap.
