UMUAHIA — The political landscape of Bende Federal Constituency has shifted dramatically following the formal declaration of Dr. Chima Anyaso to contest the House of Representatives seat. Running on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), Anyaso enters the race with the formidable support of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, setting up a heavyweight clash against the incumbent Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
The Governor’s Choice
Anyaso’s bid is seen by many as the “official” candidacy of the state government. As the founder of the “Otti Again 2027 Movement,” Anyaso has been a key ally in the Governor’s administration.
The weight of this support was evident in Bende recently when high-ranking officials of the Otti cabinet, including the Commissioner for Agriculture and the Governor’s Political Adviser, formally presented Anyaso to the traditional and political leaders of the constituency. They described him as the “missing link” needed to align federal representation with Otti’s developmental strides in Abia.
Kalu Abandons Governor Bid for Bende
The race became even more intense this week when the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reportedly appeared before the APC House of Reps Screening Committee in Abuja.
This move effectively ends months of speculation that Kalu would challenge Alex Otti for the governorship in 2027. Instead, the No. 6 citizen of Nigeria has opted to defend his Bende seat, a move analysts say is a “tactical retreat” to protect his political base against the rising Labour Party wave in the state.
Battle for the Soul of Bende
The contest is now a straight fight between two powerful forces:
- Chima Anyaso (LP): Backed by the executive power of Governor Otti and riding on the “Obidient” grassroots popularity.
- Benjamin Kalu (APC): Relying on his high-ranking federal influence and the machinery of the ruling party at the center.
Anyaso has already begun his campaign on a platform of equity, arguing that according to the rotational agreement in Bende, it is now the turn of the “Umunna” bloc to produce the representative.
As both men prepare for the 2027 polls, Bende is positioned to be the primary political battlefield in the South East, testing whether the Governor’s local influence can unseat a sitting Deputy Speaker of the House.
