By Haruna Salami
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) has dismissed the prospect of an opposition victory in the 2027 presidential election, asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unbeatable in a free and fair contest.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly on Monday—a day marking his 66th birthday—the former Senate Chief Whip characterized the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an unstoppable force.
Kalu said: “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.”
The former Abia State Governor took a firm stand against allegations that the ruling party is manipulating the electoral system.
He specifically dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition elements regarding INEC’s partiality, labeling such talk as “frivolous” and damaging to the nation’s image.
He stressed that the APC has no control over the electoral body.
He expressed deep respect for the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), describing him as an erudite scholar of law whose integrity should not be questioned.
He urged politicians to stop “de-marketing” the country and instead take the democratic process seriously.
Responding to rumors that the APC is “coercing” opposition governors to defect, Kalu maintained that party affiliation remains a matter of personal choice and negotiation.
He noted that President Tinubu has never pressured any individual to join the ruling party.
Regarding the potential zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South East in 2027, Kalu stated he was unaware of any such formal arrangement.
“It is for the leadership of the party to decide. If anything is given to me, I will take it, but I’m not going out of my way to look for anything,” he clarified.
While acknowledging that macroeconomic indicators show improvement and investor interest is rising, he admitted that the “lower end” of the economy still faces hurdles.
He cited insecurity and economic sabotage as the primary reasons for the slow trickle-down effect to the grassroots.
Patience Required: Drawing parallels to the long-term reform successes of China and Singapore, he noted that “reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day.”
The lawmaker concluded by praising the contributions of both the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu to the South East, insisting that the region is currently receiving its fair share of national development.
