Key Takeaways

• Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu campaigned for President Bola Tinubu at the Okpi Festival in Abia State.
• Kalu urged residents to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
• The crowd reportedly began chanting Peter Obi’s name after Kalu mentioned Tinubu.
• The chants grew louder as Kalu attempted to calm the gathering.
• The incident reflects a reaction at the festival, not a verified indication of the wider electorate’s voting preferences.

A campaign appearance by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in Abia State was met with chants of support for Peter Obi after the lawmaker urged residents to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday at the Okpi Festival in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where Kalu mounted the stage to address the crowd.

According to the report, the atmosphere changed when the Deputy Speaker mentioned Tinubu, prompting people in attendance to chant the name of the former Labour Party presidential candidate.

Benjamin Kalu Appeals for Support for Tinubu

During his address at the festival, Kalu urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence in the President’s ability to deliver more for Abia State.

The lawmaker asked the people to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 election, describing him as the best option for the country.

Kalu said:

“Tinubu will do more for Abia. Vote for Tinubu in 2027. He is the best for Nigeria.”

Crowd Responds With Chants of ‘Obi! Obi!’

However, the campaign appearance took an unexpected turn when the crowd reportedly began chanting Peter Obi’s name shortly after Kalu mentioned Tinubu.

The chants became louder as the Deputy Speaker attempted to calm the residents. Footage described in the report showed some people standing while others raised their hands during the moment.

The crowd repeatedly chanted:

“Obi! Obi! Obi!”

The reaction attracted attention because it occurred during an appearance where Kalu was seeking support for Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.

Although the incident highlights the reaction of people at the festival, it should not be treated as evidence of the voting preferences of the entire Abia State population or the wider Nigerian electorate.

What Happened at the Okpi Festival?

The incident took place at the Okpi Festival in Bende Local Government Area, where Kalu addressed residents and appealed for support for the President.

The reported chanting brought Peter Obi into the centre of the campaign moment, despite Kalu’s effort to promote Tinubu’s candidacy.

The development adds another notable episode to the political activities and public engagements taking place ahead of the 2027 elections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was campaigning for Tinubu in Abia State?

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, campaigned for President Bola Tinubu at the Okpi Festival.

2. Where did the crowd chant Peter Obi’s name?

The incident reportedly happened at the Okpi Festival in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

3. What did Benjamin Kalu say about Tinubu?

Kalu urged residents to vote for Tinubu in 2027, saying the President would do more for Abia State.

4. Why did the crowd chant ‘Obi! Obi!’?

According to the supplied report, the chanting began after Kalu mentioned Tinubu while addressing the crowd.

5. Does the incident mean Peter Obi has secured support across Abia State?

No. The reported incident describes the reaction of people at one festival. It does not establish the voting preferences of the entire state.

Final Editorial Wrap-Up

Benjamin Kalu’s campaign appearance at the Okpi Festival took an unexpected turn when residents reportedly responded to his appeal for Tinubu with chants of Peter Obi’s name.

The incident has drawn attention to the political atmosphere surrounding the 2027 elections, although the reaction at one public gathering should not be mistaken for a wider measure of electoral support.