Orji Kalu Rejects 2027 Presidential Bid, Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has firmly rejected calls to contest the 2027 presidential election.
This comes after a coalition of 40 northern youth groups under the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) urged Kalu to run for president, suggesting either Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, or Adamawa State Governor, Umar Fintiri, as his running mate. The call was made following their courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Kalu was named the patron of the forum.
In a statement released on Thursday by his media office and signed by George Maduka, Kalu dissociated himself from any presidential ambition. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid, urging the opposition to stop using his name for political propaganda.
"There is no disagreement within the APC regarding the 2027 presidential candidate. The President needs encouragement to continue his economic reforms," Kalu stated.
Kalu emphasized that President Tinubu deserves a full eight-year tenure to effectively implement his economic reforms and stabilize the nation. He noted that Tinubu is the only Nigerian leader with the courage to tackle the country's economic challenges and called on Nigerians to support his re-election.
"Kalu is a strong believer in Tinubu's economic reforms. He knows that to sustain them, there must be focus on stability, inclusivity, and adaptability. The President needs the maximum eight years to achieve this,"the statement read.
Kalu also highlighted his close relationship with President Tinubu, dating back to their tenure as governors in 1999. He described Tinubu as a visionary leader who has taken bold steps to address Nigeria's economic issues.
"Kalu believes that Nigeria's prosperity depends on a successful reform. Since Tinubu has taken the bull by the horns, the best Nigerians can do is to encourage him and re-elect him in 2027 to complete the good work he has started," the statement concluded.
With this declaration, Orji Uzor Kalu has made it clear that he remains committed to the APC and President Tinubu's administration. His rejection of the 2027 presidential bid puts an end to speculations about his political future while strengthening support for Tinubu's second term.
