2027: Tinubu’s Growing Endorsements Based on Performance, Not Fear of Opposition – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has pushed back against claims that the increasing endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign are driven by anxiety over possible opposition alliances.

The former Chief Whip of the Senate attributed the support instead to Tinubu’s courageous leadership and impactful policies, which he said are winning genuine admiration.

Speaking to members of the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly on Tuesday, Kalu, who currently chairs the 10th Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no reason to fear any coalition, noting that the ruling party is more concerned with national development than political rivalry.

Responding to journalists’ questions at the assembly lobby, Kalu said: “No, no, no. I don’t think a party like the APC has anyone to fear. We are the ruling party. We love Nigeria. That’s why many of us are establishing industries across the nation to create employment, even outside of government.”

He argued that opposition criticism is both natural and necessary in a democracy, but stressed that it should not be seen as a sign of weakness within the ruling party.

“The opposition must criticize—that’s their role. Our role is to deliver, and we are doing just that. In the coming years, Nigerians will come to fully appreciate what  President Tinubu is achieving,” he said.

Touching on the President’s recent visit to the Vatican—which drew some public debate due to Tinubu’s religious background—Senator Kalu defended the trip, revealing that the President attended at the personal invitation of Pope Francis, whom he described as a personal friend.

“Declining the Pope’s invitation would have been disrespectful. Roughly 1.8 billion Catholics around the world, including myself, recognize and appreciate that gesture. In 2027, Catholics will remember it,” he added.

On the Southeast’s position regarding Tinubu’s re-election, Kalu disclosed that the region’s APC caucus had long pledged support for the President, well before other endorsements emerged across the country.

He cited an earlier endorsement coordinated by key figures from the Southeast, including state governors and National Assembly members.

“We endorsed him weeks ago, with Governor Hope Uzodinma leading the charge, supported by the Governor of Ebonyi and the Deputy Speaker. We initiated the national endorsement,” Kalu said, pointing to his outfit, which he described as a symbol of his loyalty to President Tinubu.

Evaluating the President’s economic policies, Senator Kalu praised Tinubu for making bold decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. He acknowledged the challenges Nigerians are currently facing but emphasized that the measures are necessary for sustainable economic growth.

“I’m not a typical politician. I’m a businessman. This is the first President who put an end to the era of easy money. People used to profit without value. This President is saying: earn your money properly or don’t earn at all,” he remarked.

He maintained that the positive effects of these policies are already being felt at the macroeconomic level and predicted that ordinary Nigerians would soon begin to benefit as well.

“Tinubu is not just a Southern President, he’ll be re-elected by Nigerians from both the North and South because it’s in our collective interest. We want a strong, united country, not one torn apart,” he asserted.

When asked about his own political ambitions for 2027, Kalu reiterated his dedication to serving both his constituents and the nation with honesty and commitment.

While he noted that infrastructure and education have been his key focus areas, he revealed that agriculture would take center stage in his next term.

“To serve people, you must love them. That’s why I work so hard. I don’t even operate a personal bank account—everything I have goes into service: building roads, schools, investing in agriculture, and supporting my foundation,” he said.

Kalu called on leaders from all political affiliations to speak truthfully and prioritize the welfare of the people over political bickering or grudges.