Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election attempt in 2027 has solid support from both northern and southern Nigeria, adding that the opposition parties do not pose a threat to Tinubu.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress’ increasing coalition across regions demonstrates profound trust in Tinubu’s leadership.
“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” Kalu said.
Kalu pointed out that the South-East APC caucus, comprising governors and federal lawmakers, was among the first to endorse Tinubu for a second term—well before recent waves of public endorsements.
“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” Kalu said.
He pointed out that the South-East APC caucus, comprising governors and federal lawmakers, was among the first to endorse Tinubu for a second term—well before recent waves of public endorsements.
“That meeting, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the Ebonyi State Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was where the national endorsement truly started,” Kalu noted, proudly pointing to his attire adorned with Tinubu’s campaign insignia.
Kalu refuted claims that the growing support is a reaction to the newly announced opposition alliance led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
“We are not losing sleep. The APC has no reason to be afraid.
“We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
He mentioned that the APC is focused on governance and development, not political distractions. According to him, endorsements for Tinubu reflect appreciation for bold reforms and leadership—not fear of political rivals.
“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the president’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” Kalu said.
Drumming support for Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates, Kalu acknowledged the challenges they pose but stressed their long-term benefits.
“As a businessman, I know these are tough but necessary choices. This is the first president to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” he said.
Speaking on criticisms from the opposition, the former Senate Chief Whip said dissent is expected in a democracy but should not be mistaken for the APC’s weakness.
“The opposition has every right to challenge us. But ours is to deliver results, and we are doing just that. In time, Nigerians will come to appreciate the tough choices this administration has made,” he said.
Kalu also spoke on Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, describing it as a strategic diplomatic move following a personal invitation from Pope Francis.
“It would have been disrespectful to ignore such an invitation. As a Catholic myself, I know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, including Nigerians, value that gesture. In 2027, many will remember it,” he added.
Amid economic hardship, Kalu expressed optimism that Tinubu’s reforms will soon bring tangible relief to ordinary Nigerians, as support for his leadership continues to grow across all zones.
