Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has declared that the Igbo nation will no longer remain on the sidelines of national politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, who spoke during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, said it was time for the Southeast to align with the centre to ensure inclusion in the nation’s decision-making and development process.

According to him, the era of political neutrality in the region is over, stressing that being at the centre of national politics provides greater access to developmental opportunities.

“The Igbo will not sit on the fence in 2027,” Kalu said. “When national issues and development plans are being discussed, only those at the centre are part of the conversation. Those sitting on the fence often come in after everything has been decided.”

The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “visible infrastructural strides” in the Southeast and for appointing capable individuals from the region into key federal positions.

He urged Abians to embrace political inclusion and avoid isolation from the mainstream, warning that the state risks lagging behind if it fails to move with the rest of the country.

“Why should Abia be moving backwards when other states are advancing?” he asked. “We must not miss the moving train of development and participation at the federal level.”

Kalu’s remarks come amid renewed calls for political unity and engagement across the Southeast, as Nigeria gradually heads toward the 2027 polls.