Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu faced repeated chants of Peter Obi’s name while asking Abia residents to support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
The crowd’s response reportedly continued even as Kalu promoted the president’s proposed university project and played the APC campaign song.
Videos from the Item Okpi Cultural Festival have sparked reactions on social media, with Nigerians debating Obi’s popularity in the Southeast.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has faced an unexpected reaction after some attendees at a cultural festival in Abia State repeatedly chanted Peter Obi’s name while he campaigned for President Bola Tinubu.
The incident happened during the Item Okpi Cultural Festival involving the Item community in Bende Federal Constituency. A video showing the exchange has gone viral, attracting comments from Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election
Crowd repeatedly chants Obi’s name during Tinubu Campaign
In the trending footage, Kalu is seen addressing the gathering and appealing to residents to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
However, some people in the audience responded by repeatedly shouting, “Obi! Obi!”, making it difficult for the deputy speaker to get his message across.
The lawmaker continued his appeal, drawing attention to the federal government’s development plans and the proposed establishment of a university to benefit the area.
But the crowd’s reaction did not appear to change, as Peter Obi’s name continued to ring out.
The APC campaign song, “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand”, was also introduced in an apparent effort to rally support for Tinubu.
In another striking moment captured in the circulating footage, the entertainment at the gathering appeared to join the excitement, with the phrase “Obi kererenke” also heard.
What happened at the cultural festival?
The incident has attracted attention partly because Kalu represents Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The Item community is part of the constituency, making the reception particularly noteworthy as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election.
Kalu has been actively promoting Tinubu’s administration and encouraging people in the Southeast to support the president.
In a separate report published by THISDAY, the deputy speaker assured the Item community of continued government support, including tertiary education facilities, roads, classrooms and health centres.
He also expressed appreciation for the community’s support and promised further development projects.
However, the circulating video has shifted attention to the political reception he received while making his appeal.
Nigerians react to the viral video
The footage has generated different reactions on X, with several users describing the incident as evidence of Obi’s continued appeal in the Southeast.
Others questioned the political direction of the region and made jokes about the unusual exchange.
Here are some comments from Nigerians following the circulation of the video:
@elaig_john wrote:
“I advised Tinubu to face south west for his reelection. Nothing for him in SE, SS, MB and Up north. If he likes he should keep staggering on the stage make him no go rest with his grandchildren”
@Primax2U wrote:
“Omo Abia is 101% Obidient. Same as Otti re election is no go area ,Obi in the state is no touch”
@GodsonArinze wrote:
“SE politicians keep giving tinubu false hopes”
@JIOKE_1 wrote:
“The singer lady on green fit no see her balance 😂😂”
@kevyngbash wrote:
“I too like Eastern Nigeria. We are happy losing but we know who we want.”
Meanwhile, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at President Bola Tinubu after the latter questioned how he established a university.
Atiku said he was laying the foundation of ABTI Academy in 1993, the same year funds linked to Tinubu were forfeited in a US court proceeding.
The ADC presidential candidate made the remarks in a statement on Saturday, November 7, 2026, escalating the political exchange ahead of the 2027 elections. Continue reading here.
New to NewsFlashNGR? Follow us for breaking global and African news.
