The controversy surrounding the alleged overlap between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and the Nigerian Law School result of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has taken a new turn as a South-East group described the claims as a politically motivated smear campaign.

The South-East Progressive Forum (SEPF), in a statement on Wednesday insisted that the petition currently before the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) is part of a deliberate attempt by political actors to tarnish Kalu’s reputation and weaken his rising influence.

The controversy centres on allegations that Kalu’s NYSC service year overlapped with his attendance at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus — a development critics claim amounts to irregularity in his professional enrolment.

A group identified as Abia Patriots, reportedly backed by local political interests, has amplified the allegations on social media, alleging “fraudulent enrolment” on the Roll of Legal Practitioners of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

However, SEPF spokesperson Chief Ihuoma Okoronkwo dismissed the claims as misleading and politically driven.

According to the forum, overlaps between NYSC mobilisation and professional training are not uncommon and do not automatically constitute professional misconduct.

“This is clearly a politically motivated attack,” the statement read. “Those behind these petitions and coordinated social media campaigns are more interested in pursuing local political agendas than establishing the truth. Kalu has been cleared by INEC for his elections, duly admitted and enrolled professionally, and remains widely respected across the country.”

The group urged Nigerians to allow the LPDC — described as an independent and professional regulatory body — to handle the matter without external pressure. It warned against attempts to politicise the process, stressing that no governor or political actor could compromise the integrity of the disciplinary committee.

SEPF further reassured constituents in Bende Federal Constituency that Kalu remains focused on his legislative responsibilities, insisting that what it termed “political blackmail and trial by social media” would not distract him from his national assignments.