Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed suggestions that the increasing wave of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid stems from fears of emerging opposition coalitions. According to him, the support reflects confidence in Tinubu’s bold leadership and transformative governance.
Speaking with members of the Senate Press Corps in Abuja on Tuesday, the former Abia State governor insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unshaken by opposition talks and political permutations ahead of 2027.
"The endorsements are not out of fear. They are a show of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership," Kalu said. “We have no one to fear. APC is the ruling party. We love this country deeply, and many of us are contributing by building industries and creating jobs—even outside of government.”
He acknowledged that opposition criticism is part of the democratic process but cautioned against interpreting it as a sign of weakness from the APC.
“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.
Pope Visit and Southeast Support
Addressing the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, Kalu clarified that the President honored a personal invitation from Pope Francis—describing the pontiff as a personal friend of Tinubu.
“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 remarked.
On the loyalty of the Southeast to the APC and Tinubu, Kalu revealed that the region’s caucus had long endorsed the President’s second-term ambition, ahead of other national blocs.
“We endorsed him weeks ago—chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma, co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi and the Deputy Speaker. We initiated the national endorsement,” he said, proudly referencing his attire as a symbol of his unwavering support for the President.
Tinubu’s Economic Policies: Tough but Necessary
Kalu praised President Tinubu’s economic decisions—particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification—as bold, necessary steps to rebuild the Nigerian economy.
“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.
While acknowledging the short-term hardships many Nigerians face, Kalu expressed optimism that Tinubu’s reforms are already making an impact at the macroeconomic level and would soon translate to real benefits for everyday citizens.
“Tinubu is not just a Southern President. He will 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,” he stated.
2027 Personal Ambitions and National Service
Looking ahead to 2027, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to serving Nigeria and his constituents with integrity and passion. He noted that while his efforts have focused on infrastructure and education, he plans to prioritize agriculture in the next phase of his service.
“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 also called on all Nigerian leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to prioritize truth and nation-building over blame and bitterness.
“Let us focus on uplifting our people. That’s the only way forward,” Kalu concluded.
