Anxiety Builds In Bende Over Ofuji’s Possible 2027 House Of Reps Bid
Speculations over Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji) joining the 2027 House of Representatives race in Bende stir tension as zoning, grassroots influence, and Benjamin Kalu’s next move dominate political discussions.
Political tension is growing in Bende Federal Constituency following speculations that Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, popularly called Ofuji, may join the 2027 race for the House of Representatives seat. The seat is currently occupied by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Some Bende leaders had earlier urged the Deputy Speaker to pursue either a gubernatorial or senatorial ambition in 2027 after serving two terms in the Green Chamber. This suggestion has fueled speculation of a possible vacancy, sparking renewed interest in the seat.
Reliable sources indicate that pressure is mounting on Ofuji from various political stakeholders to throw his hat into the ring. His entry, if confirmed, is expected to shake political alignments across Bende and trigger one of the fiercest political battles in recent history.
Analysts note that Ofuji’s strongest leverage lies in constituency zoning. It is the turn of Umunna, his bloc, to produce a representative in the rotational equity shared with Ikwuishi. Observers believe this factor may give him an edge against rivals seeking to succeed Benjamin Kalu, who is widely believed to have strong federal backing should he opt for the Senate or governorship.
Another advantage for Ofuji is his enduring grassroots political structure. Despite not holding any public office, he has continued to invest in his community through empowerment programs and initiatives like his annual Irí Jị Ofuji festival, which has grown into a major socio-cultural event in Bende.
Reacting to the speculation, Ofuji’s media aide, Gabriel Aguwa Paul, dismissed reports of his principal’s 2027 ambition as premature.
“Ofuji has not made any public declaration about 2027. Right now, his focus is on community empowerment and planning the 2025 Irí Jị Ofuji to be even more impactful. He is a man of faith and will only make such a decision after seeking divine direction. For now, I urge the media to avoid circulating unverified claims,” Gabriel stated.
With political camps in Bende closely monitoring the situation, the stage appears set for a major contest that could reshape the constituency’s political future.
