Former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing the Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has publicly announced his intention to contest for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections, emphasizing that he possesses the necessary qualifications and experience for the role. Kalu articulated his belief that he is not only capable but also competent to lead the nation at this critical juncture.
However, he clarified that his candidacy is contingent upon whether President Bola Tinubu opts to seek re-election for a second term in office. This statement reflects the political dynamics within their party and the broader implications for Kalu's potential campaign.[/p>
Kalu made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening, where he further expounded on his political aspirations and views on the current state of Nigeria. In his statements, he expressed that while he is keen on pursuing the presidency, his priority lies in being an active lawmaker, emphasizing his commitment to working within the Senate to effect positive change.
“Let me tell you, first and foremost, I’m qualified to be a President, and I’m competent,” Kalu asserted. “We have already a candidate in our political party unless he is not running. If the party gives me the opportunity to fly their flag, it’s a privilege, it’s not something that I like; it’s an opportunity given by the party. It’s not about me. My interest in 2027 is to come back, be a lawmaker, sit in the Senate and work in the Senate.”
Addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu pointed out that the country’s current hardships are largely a result of ineffective economic management and a lack of a structured economy. He articulated that these systemic issues have greatly contributed to the difficulties that many Nigerians are enduring today.
Kalu called for decisive government action to alleviate the financial strain on citizens, advocating for cuts in unnecessary expenditures. He believes that adopting more organized economic policies could lead to sustainable growth and development, ultimately enhancing the living standards of the populace.
In his analysis of President Tinubu’s administration, Kalu acknowledged the efforts being made to restore the nation’s institutions, while also recognizing that the president's decisions could be viewed as both correct and incorrect, depending on the context. He stated, “The record is that there is a worldwide deflation all over the world. It is bad in Nigeria because we have no economic processes. We never had an economy since 60 years ago. There is no organized economy here. We have no light, we have nothing, and our stock exchange is just building up. The institutions that drive the economy are very weak, and this is what President Bola Tinubu is trying to rebuild to make sure the institutions are strong.”
Kalu continued, emphasizing that without significant reforms, Nigeria's economic challenges would persist. He commented, “Because if you continue with these handouts and a weak economy, you are not going to go on; somebody must make tough decisions. He might be right or wrong. He’s making tough decisions for the future. The question is, are the Nigerian people hungry? The answer is yes. But our looks worse because we didn’t make decisions at all.”
The senator further stressed the need for the government to adopt austerity measures, stating, “People in government ought to maintain austerity measures, I believe they should. There should be more sewing our coat according to our size, scaling down on most things people in government do, scaling down on more gifts the government gives to other countries, scaling down on so many things,” the Senator said. This reflects his perspective on the need for responsible governance in light of the economic realities facing the country.