Abia North Senator Orji Kalu has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027 is getting strong backing from both the northern and southern regions of Nigeria.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu said President Tinubu’s leadership is trusted nationwide, and that recent developments prove the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong and united.
Kalu, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission, said that APC’s expanding support across Nigeria is not just political but reflects the people’s belief in Tinubu’s leadership.
“President Tinubu is not just a southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” he said.
He also noted that APC leaders in the South-East were among the earliest to publicly back Tinubu’s re-election.
According to him, a key meeting led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and co-chaired by the Ebonyi State Governor and the Deputy Speaker, helped start the national momentum for Tinubu’s second term campaign.
Kalu wore clothing bearing Tinubu’s campaign symbols and described the show of support as widespread and genuine. He said the new alliance by some opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is not causing concern for the APC.
“We are not losing sleep. The APC has no reason to be afraid. We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress,” he said.
He pointed out that APC is focused on development and not distracted by opposition movements. Kalu explained that the wave of endorsements for Tinubu is driven by his performance in office, especially his bold reforms.
“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the President’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” Kalu said.
The Senator defended key economic reforms made by Tinubu, such as ending fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate. He admitted that these decisions are tough on the people but necessary for Nigeria’s future.
“As a businessman, I know these are tough but necessary choices. This is the first President to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” Kalu added.
On criticism from opposition parties, he said their views are welcome in a democracy but don’t reflect weakness on the part of the APC. “The opposition has every right to challenge us. But ours is to deliver results, and we are doing just that. In time, Nigerians will come to appreciate the tough choices this administration has made,” he stated.
Kalu also discussed Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, calling it an important diplomatic move after Pope Francis personally invited the President. “It would have been disrespectful to ignore such an invitation. As a Catholic myself, I know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, including Nigerians, value that gesture. In 2027, many will remember it,” he said.
