The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, has urged people of the South East to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a pathway to economic revitalisation and greater regional inclusion in national politics.
Speaking in Bende, Abia State, during the inauguration of over 20,000 new members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) — a grassroots mobilisation group — Kalu described the initiative as a strategic movement to reposition the South East within Nigeria’s political and economic frameworks.
“The South East must not only benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda but actively partner with it,” Kalu stated. “This is a movement of purpose, unity, and national transformation.”
He highlighted the President’s appointments of key figures from the region, including leadership positions in the Ministries of Works and Inland Waterways, as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Kalu warned against divisive rhetoric and urged the region to guard against misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let no one lie to you. Chase such politicians away. We must protect the Renewed Hope Mandate,” he charged.
Economic Gains Highlighted
Citing achievements under Tinubu’s administration, Kalu noted a GDP growth of 3.84% in Q4 2024, bringing the year’s average to 3.40%, up from 2.74% in 2023. He also pointed to a unified FX market, reduced arbitrage, improved investor confidence, and a trade surplus of ₦3.42 trillion ($2.25 billion) in Q4 2024, driven largely by increased exports.
“These are not just numbers; they are indicators of a nation on the rise,” he added.
According to him, since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has initiated “bold reforms” across social welfare, security, economic revitalisation, and national development — all packaged under the Renewed Hope framework.
Mobilisation for 2027 and Beyond
The RHP, which was launched in Abia State and is expected to expand across the South East and other regions, has been tasked with deepening grassroots engagement, promoting national unity, and supporting the agenda heading into the 2027 elections.
“Your mandate is clear: champion unity, inclusion, and ensure the benefits of national reforms reach every household,” Kalu told the new RHP members.
Representatives of the APC National Working Committee, led by Chief Emmanuel Onyeukwu, commended the South East mobilisation efforts, saying recent political developments — including defections by South-South governors — show growing national confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.
“President Tinubu is a good product — easy to sell. Now is the time for the South East to integrate fully into Nigeria’s political and economic mainstream,” Onyeukwu added.
Also speaking at the event, APC Abia State Chairman Dr Kingsley Ononogbu urged the RHP to remain aligned with the party’s goals and the President’s re-election objectives in 2027.
