2027: Anyaso enters bende reps race, puts representation to test

Strategic Priorities for Bende

The race for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives has gained fresh political momentum with businessman, philanthropist, and politician, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, formally launching his campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The campaign launch has positioned Anyaso as a contender for the seat currently held by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in the constituency.

At the launch, Anyaso stated that his campaign would focus on effective grassroots representation, job creation, infrastructure development, youth and women empowerment, agricultural development, and improved access to economic opportunities. He noted that the objective was to promote a model of representation centered on the needs of residents and communities across Bende.

This campaign is about the future of Bende. It is about our farmers, our young people, our mothers, our entrepreneurs, our professionals and every community that deserves to feel the impact of representation.

— Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Candidate, Bende Federal Constituency

Focus on Jobs and Enterprise

Anyaso emphasized that youth empowerment and economic development would receive priority under his proposed representation, stressing the need to expand opportunities for young people and small businesses within the constituency. He argued that young people should have access to skills, finance, markets, and other opportunities that would enable them to build sustainable livelihoods without being compelled to leave their communities.

Consultations across communities in the constituency have highlighted concerns regarding employment, agriculture, roads, healthcare support, and access to economic opportunities. These issues are expected to form the key components of Anyaso's legislative agenda. He pledged to support initiatives for farmers, traders, artisans, and small businesses while advocating for federal programs capable of stimulating economic activities.

Our young people should not have to leave their communities because there are no opportunities. We must deliberately create the conditions that allow enterprise, agriculture, innovation and skills to thrive within Bende.

— Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Candidate, Bende Federal Constituency

A High-Stakes Contest for Representation

The upcoming contest is expected to test the political structures and grassroots support of both Anyaso and the incumbent, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Kalu, serving as Deputy Speaker, maintains the advantage of incumbency and national political visibility, while Anyaso is building his campaign around community engagement and a message focused on localized constituency development.

Anyaso’s campaign organization stated that the contest would provide residents an opportunity to assess candidates based on their records, accessibility, and proposed programs. The campaign plan includes town hall meetings involving traditional institutions, youth groups, and other stakeholders across Bende. Anyaso expressed a commitment to supporting development programs in Abia State, suggesting that federal representation must complement state and local efforts.

Politics must ultimately translate into development. Our communities need roads, jobs, better healthcare, support for agriculture, opportunities for young people and a stronger voice. These are the issues that should define this election.

— Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Candidate, Bende Federal Constituency

Calls for Issue-Based Discourse

As political activities gather momentum, Anyaso appealed to supporters and political actors to maintain a peaceful and issue-based campaign. He urged voters to assess candidates based on competence, character, accessibility, and track record. He pledged to run an inclusive campaign that would engage communities irrespective of political affiliation.

This must not become a campaign of insults or bitterness. Let every candidate present his record, his ideas and his plans, and let the people of Bende decide the future they want.

— Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Candidate, Bende Federal Constituency

With the campaign formally underway, Bende is set to attract increased political attention as the 2027 elections approach. For Anyaso, the journey provides an opportunity to seek a mandate for federal representation based on stated priorities of economic empowerment. For Kalu, the contest will provide an opportunity for constituents to assess his tenure and continued representation.