I’m The ‘Most Important Politician’ From South-East, Not Peter Obi — Orji Kalu

Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared himself as the ‘most important’ politician from the South-East, dismissing comparisons with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking on Channels Television’s current affairs programme, ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday night, Kalu made it clear that he would not discuss Obi unless both men were present in a live debate.

“I am a member of the APC, and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi. I have told you this before on this channel,” Kalu stated. “Not for any reason, but I just don’t want to discuss him. You can ask me about the leader of my party — I will answer you, whether the question is right or wrong.”

When the show host, Seun Okinbaloye, suggested that the Igbos might naturally queue behind Obi and why Kalu becomes uncomfortable by the mention of Obi’s name, Kalu interjected sharply, “No, because I don’t want to discuss him,” he said. “I have told you before — anytime you want me to discuss Peter Obi, give us two hours. You’ll be in the middle; put him there (pointing left), put me here (pointing right), and we will sort it out.”

Defending his political influence, Kalu asserted, “He is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under PPA; I have run for president before. My 4.9 million votes are still there since 2007. We achieved a lot with PPA — we had ministers, we had ambassadors. Anybody can run for president, but ask me questions that concern me.”

When the host pressed further, Kalu fired back, “If you are a Labour Party member, keep it to yourself. For the last time, let’s arrange, in two weeks’ time, put Peter Obi there, put me here. On any purpose. Then, any question you ask me about Peter Obi, I will answer you.”