2027 : Ndigbo Must Prioritise Political Strategy Over Sentiment – Kalu

2027 : Ndigbo Must Prioritise Political Strategy Over Sentiment – Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged the Southeast to move beyond emotion-driven political decisions and embrace strategic alliances capable of strengthening the region’s influence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Kalu made the call during the inauguration of the Abia State Alll Progressive Congress ( APC)  Presidential Campaign Council, where he argued that the region must rethink its political approach and recognise the importance of partnerships in securing meaningful political participation and democratic dividends.

Drawing a comparison between the Southeast’s commercial achievements and its political engagement, the Deputy Speaker observed that the Igbo people had demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking in business, particularly in rebuilding their economic fortunes after the Nigerian Civil War.

He noted that through determination, enterprise and collective ingenuity, the region had rebuilt businesses and established commercial networks across Nigeria and beyond.

However, he expressed concern that the same level of strategic calculation had not been consistently reflected in the Southeast’s political decisions.

According to him, emotional attachments and political sentiments have too often taken precedence over deliberate engagement, coalition-building and the pursuit of long-term regional interests.

“Sentiment does not drive political participation, engagements, advancements. Sentiment does not drive the dividends of democracy. It’s about time that we drop sentiment and pick up strategy,” Kalu declared.

‘Political isolation is not an achievement’

The Deputy Speaker further argued that political influence cannot be built through isolation, insisting that meaningful participation in national politics requires collaboration, negotiation and sustained relationships across political and regional boundaries.

He cautioned against the perception that standing alone or refusing to work with other political interests should be celebrated as a demonstration of political strength.

“To be alone is not an honour. To be alone is not a thing of pride. To work in silos is not what you define,” he stated.

Kalu’s position underscores his argument that the Southeast must become more deliberate about identifying political opportunities, cultivating partnerships and building alliances that can translate its numerical and electoral strength into greater representation and influence at the national level.

A call for a more strategic Southeast

His remarks come amid renewed political conversations over the Southeast’s place in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The region’s political participation, relationship with major political parties and ability to negotiate mutually beneficial alliances have remained subjects of debate among political leaders and stakeholders.

Kalu’s argument is that political loyalty and regional sentiment, on their own, cannot guarantee access to power or deliver development outcomes.

Rather, he believes the Southeast must approach politics with the same commercial pragmatism that has helped Igbo entrepreneurs build successful businesses across the country.

The Deputy Speaker’s intervention also reflects a broader argument for political engagement based on negotiation, partnerships and clearly defined interests rather than emotional considerations.

For the Southeast, the challenge, as reflected in Kalu’s remarks, is to convert its political participation into tangible influence by building relationships, negotiating strategically and engaging more effectively in the country’s democratic process.