Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, expressed unwavering confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst the emergence of a new opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking in Abuja, Senator Kalu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, emphasized the APC’s unwavering focus on governance and national development, dismissing the opposition’s maneuvers as mere political distractions. He underscored the party’s commitment to job creation through investments in various industries, highlighting a dedication to tangible progress that transcends the realm of political posturing. This focus, he argued, sets the APC apart and reinforces its commitment to national prosperity.
Senator Kalu downplayed speculations suggesting that the recent endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid were a reaction to the growing influence of the opposition. He attributed the surge in support to the public’s recognition of President Tinubu’s decisive leadership and transformative policies. The endorsements, according to Kalu, were not born out of fear but rather reflected a genuine appreciation for the President’s bold and impactful governance style. He viewed the endorsements as an organic expression of public confidence, a testament to the positive impact of Tinubu’s administration on the nation.
Addressing the criticism leveled against the APC by opposition parties, Senator Kalu acknowledged the role of dissent in a democratic system. He emphasized that while the opposition has the right to challenge the ruling party, the APC remains focused on delivering tangible results for Nigerians. He expressed confidence that the citizens would eventually recognize the wisdom behind the difficult decisions made by the current administration, understanding that such choices are often necessary for long-term stability and progress. This perspective portrays the opposition’s critique as a natural part of the democratic process while reaffirming the APC’s commitment to its governing mandate.
Regarding President Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, which sparked controversy due to the President’s religious background, Senator Kalu provided clarification. He explained that the visit was undertaken at the personal invitation of Pope Francis, a close associate of President Tinubu. He stressed that declining such an invitation would have been disrespectful, particularly considering the significance of the gesture for the global Catholic community, including Nigerian Catholics. Kalu, himself a Catholic, emphasized the importance of the visit, anticipating its enduring significance within the Catholic world.
Delving into internal party dynamics, Senator Kalu disclosed that the APC South-East caucus, comprising governors and federal lawmakers, had preemptively endorsed Tinubu’s second term bid even before the wave of public endorsements began. He highlighted a meeting chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi State and the Deputy Speaker, describing it as the genesis of the nationwide endorsement movement. This revelation underscores the South-East caucus’s early and proactive support for Tinubu’s re-election, positioning them as pioneers of the endorsement campaign.
Finally, Senator Kalu lauded President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate. While acknowledging the immediate economic hardships faced by Nigerians, he underscored the necessity of these measures for long-term economic stability. He likened the President’s approach to that of a shrewd businessman making difficult but necessary decisions, drawing parallels to his own experience in the business world. Kalu expressed optimism that the positive impact of these policies, already evident at the macroeconomic level, would eventually trickle down to ordinary Nigerians, alleviating their current economic burdens. He projected confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, predicting broad support for his re-election in 2027 from both the North and the South, united by the common goal of a thriving and unified Nigeria.
