Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has downplayed the threat posed by the newly formed opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, insisting the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains focused on governance.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, the lawmaker representing Abia North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission said the ruling party is more concerned with national progress than political scheming.
“We are not losing sleep. APC has no reason to be afraid. We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress. Many of us are investing in industries to create jobs beyond politics,” Kalu stated.
He dismissed claims that growing support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election was a reaction to opposition activities, arguing instead that the endorsements stem from public approval of the President’s leadership.
“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the President’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” he noted.
Responding to opposition criticism, Kalu said dissent is expected in a democracy but shouldn’t be seen as a sign of weakness.
“The opposition has every right to challenge us. That’s their job. 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 added.
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On Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, which drew comments about the President’s faith background, Kalu clarified that it was a personal invitation from Pope Francis.
“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.
He also revealed that the APC South-East caucus had endorsed Tinubu’s second term well before the current wave of public endorsements.
“We were the first to endorse him. That meeting, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by Ebonyi State’s Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was where the national endorsement truly started,” he said, pointing to his Tinubu-branded attire.
Turning to the economy, Kalu commended the President’s difficult policy decisions, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, calling them critical steps to rescue the economy.
“As a businessman, I know that these are tough but needed choices. This is the first president to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” he said.
Kalu concluded with optimism, asserting that the current economic hardship will give way to long-term gains for Nigerians.
“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.