Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed speculations of a plot to remove the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared that the upper chamber remained united and focused on supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking with journalists today at the National Assembly in Abuja, Kalu said the Senate is more interested in making laws that will support the President’s economic reforms and ensure citizens’ welfare.
“Whatever was the problem, the Senate is more interested in making laws that will help President Tinubu overcome the economic problems our people are going through. The legislation we are bringing are pro-business and pro-people. We want Nigerians to be able to eat three times a day,” he stated.
Kalu admitted there were initial tensions in the Senate but said members quickly resolved them. “Even if there were attempts, we didn’t allow them to succeed. That’s why in the Senate, we are one big family. It’s not going to happen,” he affirmed.
On recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the former Senate Chief Whip clarified that no governor was being pressured to join the ruling party.
He said, “Neither I, the Senate President, nor President Tinubu has forced any governor to join our party. My governor, Alex Otti, is my friend and former banker. I respect him deeply. Whether he joins APC or not is up to him, but as someone 100 percent loyal to APC, I will campaign to return President Tinubu and all APC candidates.”
Asked about his brother, Mascot Kalu, who is also interested in the Abia governorship seat, Kalu said his loyalty lies with his party. “If my brother is in APC, I’ll support him. If the governor is in another party, I’ll fight him politically. It’s that simple. Party loyalty first,” he stressed.
Kalu also spoke glowingly about Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, described him as a progressive leader who shared similar ideals with President Tinubu and other reform-minded politicians. “Soludo is a progressive just like Mr. President, like me, like the Senate President, and the governors of Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, and Lagos. I don’t see anything wrong with him joining the APC. He has no alternative than to come here. It’s confirmed he will come,” Kalu said confidently.
Reacting to comments credited to former U.S. President Donald Trump about insecurity in Nigeria, Kalu said Trump only spoke the truth. “Nigerians are being killed Christians and Muslims alike. These people are jihadists who want to destroy Nigeria. They must be smoked out. We should not pity terrorists,” he said, revealed that he had engaged two former U.S. presidents and over 60 members of Congress on Nigeria’s security situation.
On the economy, Kalu, a seasoned businessman, noted that while macroeconomic indicators are improving, the microeconomic realities remain tough for ordinary Nigerians. “The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy is not. The solution is to go back to the farm, ensure security, and allow people to trade freely,” he advised.
Expressing confidence in the 2027 elections, Kalu declared that President Tinubu remains unbeatable. “President Tinubu has no real opposition ahead of 2027. The APC is fully on ground, in touch with the people, and committed to improving lives. We will continue to do everything possible to support the Nigerian public,” he concluded.
