2027: Orji Uzor Kalu dismisses INEC interference Claims

…Speaks on Senate presidency

By Haruna Salami and Musa Baba Adamu

A former Abia state Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is manipulating the electoral process, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains an independent institution.

Kalu, who spoke with journalists at the National Assembly lobby on Monday during activities marking his 66th birthday, described claims by opposition elements, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as “frivolous” and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic image.

He stressed that the APC has no control over INEC, noting that the electoral body operates autonomously under its leadership.

“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body and we have a lot of respect for the Chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law. So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” Kalu said.

The senator also denied allegations that the ruling party is coercing politicians, particularly governors, to defect, maintaining that party alignment remains a matter of personal decision.

According to him, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never pressured anyone to join the APC.

“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party. If a governor decides to join APC, that is his business. When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody.”

On speculations ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly talks of zoning the Senate Presidency to the South-East, Kalu said he was unaware of any such arrangement, describing zoning as the prerogative of party leadership.

“I am not aware of that. It is for the leadership of the party to decide. If anything is given to me, I will take, but I’m not going out of my way to look for anything.”

Kalu further downplayed claims of marginalization raised by some members of the 1999 class of governors, insisting that the current administration maintains cordial relations with its contemporaries.

On regional development, he rejected narratives suggesting that the South-East has been sidelined, noting that both former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed to national growth.

“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get, maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not do well.”

Commenting on the economy, the former Senate Chief Whip acknowledged improvements at the macroeconomic level but noted that insecurity and sabotage continue to affect outcomes at the grassroots.

“The upper end of the reform is working; investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day.”

Kalu also expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, describing the opposition as weak.

“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election. APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane.”

He urged political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and offering credible alternatives rather than engaging in unproductive criticism.