Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Senator Orji Kalu (Abi North), has dismissed speculations that the growing wave of endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid stems from fear of potential opposition coalition.
Instead, he emphasised that the endorsements are a result of Tinubu’s bold leadership and transformative policies.
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, Senator Kalu maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no fear of any coalition, describing the party as “passionate about Nigeria” and committed to nation-building.
Responding to questions from Senate correspondents at the National Assembly lobby, he said: “No, no, no. I don’t think a party like the 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 the government.”
According to him, criticism from the opposition is expected—and even necessary—in a democratic setting. However, he stressed that such criticism should not be mistaken for weakness on the part of the ruling party.
“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,” he added.
Speaking on the President’s recent visit to the Vatican—which sparked debate due to Tinubu’s religious affiliation—Kalu offered a spirited defense, explaining that the President attended at the personal invitation of Pope Francis, whom he described as a personal friend.
“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.
When asked about the Southeast’s endorsement of Tinubu and the zone’s party loyalty, the former Abia State governor revealed that the Southeast caucus of the APC had long declared its support for President Tinubu, even before other endorsements emerged.
He pointed to a prior endorsement led by key Southeast figures, including governors and federal legislators.
“We endorsed him weeks ago. It was chaired by Governor Hope Uzodimma and co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Speaker.
“We initiated the national endorsement,” he said, proudly displaying his attire, which he described as symbolic of his support for the President.
Commenting on Tinubu’s economic policies, Senator Kalu praised the President for making difficult but necessary decisions—such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.
He acknowledged the current economic hardships but stressed that the reforms are crucial for long-term national stability.
“I’m not a politician. I’m a businessman. And this is the first President who ended the cheap money culture. People made money from nothing before. This President is telling us: make money the right way, or don’t make it at all,” he said.
He asserted that Tinubu’s policies are already making an impact at the macroeconomic level and predicted that their benefits would soon be felt by ordinary Nigerians.
“Tinubu is not just a Southern President. He will be re-elected by both North and South because it is in the national interest. We don’t want the country to break—we want it to thrive,” he said.
On his own political plans for 2027, Kalu reaffirmed his dedication to serving his constituents and Nigeria with integrity and commitment.
He said while infrastructure and education have been his priorities, he plans to focus more on agriculture in the coming political cycle.
“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.
Kalu concluded by urging all Nigerian leaders—regardless of party affiliation—to speak the truth and prioritize uplifting the people over blame games or political bitterness.
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