Uzuakoli, Bende LGA— Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bende Local Government Area have reaffirmed massive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and APC governorship hopeful Chief Eric Opah, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The position was made public on Saturday, 24th May, during a strategic meeting hosted by grassroots mobiliser Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, popularly known as Dogo Bende, at his hometown in Uzuakoli.
The gathering followed the return of votes collated in Bende during the APC presidential primaries, in which President Tinubu emerged as the party’s flagbearer. Hon. Chinasa, who participated in the exercise alongside the Deputy Speaker, used the meeting to rally party leaders and candidates around a united front.
In attendance were APC candidates for Bende South and Bende North state constituencies — Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu Ndubuisi, the incumbent member representing Bende South, and Hon. Orji Udeagha, the party’s candidate for Bende North.
Addressing party faithful, Hon. Chinasa declared his unwavering support for the re-election of President Tinubu,Rt. Hon. Kalu and the success of all APC candidates in the state.
He described the Deputy Speaker as “a man of wit and exceptional charisma whose leadership has repositioned the APC and attracted progressive minds into the party.”
Chinasa said Bende would determine its political direction without external interference.
“Bende will make its decision. No one will impose anyone on our people. The stand of Bende today is clear — we must strengthen our connection with the centre for the collective progress and development of our people,” he stated.
He assured party leaders of massive grassroots mobilisation, particularly in Uzuakoli and Umuimenyi, adding that votes would be delivered for APC candidates from the presidency down to the House of Assembly.
Former Chairman of Bende LGA, Hon. Onwuchekwa Emmanuel, alongside Hon. Ndubuisi and Hon. Udeagha, commended Chinasa for his endorsements and grassroots influence. They said the APC in Bende was strengthened by his presence and political mobilisation.
Earlier in the day, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu had publicly welcomed Chinasa’s decision to join and support the APC, as well as his backing for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Other notable attendees included His Royal Highness Ositachukwu Ifeanyi, Hon. Nnadozie Ekweronu, Chief Chima Kanu, Prince Oscar Nworisara Orji Apuogwu, and several party stalwarts and community leaders.
