Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has dismissed claims that the growing wave of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid is a reaction to rising opposition coalitions.
Speaking with members of the Senate Press Corps on Tuesday in Abuja, the former Senate Chief Whip asserted that the momentum behind Tinubu’s endorsement is a testament to his bold leadership and impactful reforms, not political anxiety.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Kalu stressed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is confident in its performance and remains committed to national development.
“No, no, no. I don’t think a party like APC has anybody to fear. We are the ruling party. We love Nigeria. That’s why many of us are building industries across the country to create jobs—even outside of government,” he said.
He acknowledged the role of opposition parties in a democracy, noting that criticism is natural, but insisted that it should not be mistaken for vulnerability.
“The opposition must fight. That’s their job. But our job is to deliver, and we are doing our job perfectly well. In the coming years, Nigerians will appreciate what Mr. President is doing,” Kalu added.
Addressing concerns surrounding President Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, which stirred controversy due to religious sensitivities, Kalu defended the move, explaining that it followed a personal invitation from Pope Francis—a longtime friend of the President.
“It would have been disrespectful if he ignored the Pope’s invitation. About 1.8 billion Catholics, including myself, appreciate that gesture. In 2027, Catholics will remember that,” he noted.
Speaking on support from the Southeast, Senator Kalu revealed that the region’s APC caucus had long endorsed Tinubu’s leadership. He referenced a prior declaration led by Southeast Governors and top federal lawmakers.
“We endorsed him weeks ago, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi and the Deputy Speaker. We initiated the national endorsement,” he stated, proudly showing off his outfit, which he described as symbolic of his loyalty to Tinubu.
On economic matters, Kalu commended President Tinubu for taking bold steps, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification, which, despite current challenges, he believes are vital for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
“I’m not a politician; I’m a businessman. And this is the first President who ended the era of easy money. Before now, people made money from nothing. This President is saying: earn it the right way, or not at all,” he remarked.
According to him, Tinubu’s policies are already impacting the macroeconomic landscape, and their benefits will soon become evident to everyday Nigerians.
“Tinubu is not just a Southern President. He’ll be re-elected by both North and South, because it’s in the national interest. We don’t want the country to break—we want it to thrive,” Kalu stated.
Regarding his personal political outlook for 2027, the former Abia State Governor reaffirmed his dedication to service, highlighting past achievements in infrastructure and education, while revealing a renewed focus on agriculture.
“You must love people to serve them. That’s why I work hard. I don’t even keep a bank account. Everything I have goes into helping people—through roads, schools, agriculture, and my foundation,” he declared.
He concluded by urging political leaders across all parties to prioritize truth, unity, and the welfare of Nigerians, rather than engaging in blame games or harboring animosity.
