‘Tinubu has no competition in 2027’ — Orji Kalu, says president re-election

Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a second term in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the opposition poses no serious challenge to the incumbent.

Kalu made the prediction on Monday during an appearance on Arise PrimeTime, a current affairs programme on Arise News Television, where he defended Tinubu’s economic policies and argued that the country’s economy had stabilised.

The former Senate Chief Whip, who chairs the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, also defended the administration against criticism over the economic hardship associated with its reforms.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has achieved macroeconomic stability, but the challenge now is to ensure that the gains translate into improved living conditions for households and businesses.

“President Tinubu has been able to stabilise this economy on the macro level. What we are battling now, having stabilised the economy on the macro level, is the micro level,” he said.

Kalu identified increased agricultural production, improved security and a more supportive business environment as key priorities for the administration.

He said manufacturers needed better access to raw materials and the right conditions to expand production, adding that the government must focus on addressing challenges affecting ordinary Nigerians.

While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting citizens, the senator argued that the country was gradually experiencing greater economic predictability and maintained that reforms could involve temporary hardship.

He also credited Tinubu with improving Nigeria’s international economic relations, claiming that the country was attracting increased attention from foreign investors.

On the 2027 election, Kalu dismissed the prospect of an opposition victory, expressing confidence that Tinubu would return to office for another four-year term.

“President Tinubu will win. President Tinubu has no competition,” he declared.

He argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had an extensive political structure and substantial grassroots support across the country, insisting that its electoral strength was not dependent solely on Tinubu’s popularity.

“What we are seeing on social media is not what is on the ground. Our party is very huge, and the supporters of that party are large. We have huge numbers of people supporting this party,” Kalu said.

He added that APC lawmakers and other party stakeholders were already mobilising support in their respective constituencies ahead of the next general election.

The senator also called for political stability and national unity, urging Nigerians to allow elected presidents to complete their constitutionally permitted terms.

“The unity of this country is very important. Let’s not question the unity. We allowed President Buhari to do his eight years and go, and we must allow Tinubu to do his eight years and go,” he said.

Defending the administration’s reform agenda, Kalu urged Nigerians to look beyond the immediate economic difficulties and consider the long-term objectives of the policies.

“You can’t do reform without people suffering. You cannot; it’s not possible,” he said.

On his political relationship with the Igbo political establishment, his decision to remain in the APC and his future ambitions, Kalu maintained that his political choices were based on his assessment of national development and loyalty to his party rather than ethnic considerations.

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