What started as a birthday celebration quickly turned political. For Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, marking his 55th birthday came with a bold public show of loyalty – putting pen to paper for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
Kalu formally signed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination form for a second term in the 2027 general elections, describing the moment as a “beautiful birthday gift.”
The endorsement took place on Tuesday, just a day after Kalu turned 55 on May 5, 2026. He was joined by the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Sharing details on his X account on Wednesday, Kalu – who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State – said he considered the opportunity both rare and symbolic.
“Yesterday, I had the rare privilege of endorsing and signing the nomination form of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, presented by the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, alongside the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,” he wrote.
“This was indeed a beautiful birthday gift, to have had the opportunity of reaffirming my support and commitment to the continuity of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as we look ahead to the 2027 elections.”
Kalu stressed that he and other political leaders remain committed to working with the President to push forward key reforms aimed at national development and improving citizens’ lives.
“We remain resolute in our pledge to work with Mr. President in delivering transformative reforms that will advance our nation’s development and improve the lives of our people,” he added.
His move follows a similar endorsement by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who also signed the nomination form on Tuesday. Umahi described the document as a “victory form,” framing it as a step toward sustaining ongoing development efforts across the country.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the endorsement signals a broader commitment to continuity and the consolidation of the administration’s achievements.
He called it “a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing development journey,” noting that it reflects a shared push for stability and sustained progress.
The process gained momentum after James Faleke obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on behalf of President Tinubu. Faleke, who is also the founder of the Tinubu Support Groups, collected the forms in Abuja after the Party’s National Organising Secretary, Suleiman Argungu, officially opened the process.
The forms, priced at ₦100 million, mark the formal kickoff of Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
