Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has made a definitive statement about the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections, asserting that President Bola Tinubu is the party’s sole option. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the former Senate Chief Whip emphasized his unwavering support for Tinubu to complete a full eight-year term.
“In our party, we have only one presidential candidate now. And Tinubu has to do eight years. It’s a must,” Kalu stated emphatically, highlighting what he perceives as the President’s successful economic interventions. You can see the repairs he has done to the economy and things are starting to pick up again.
The senator’s declaration comes amid ongoing discussions about regional power balance and the possibility of an Igbo presidency. Kalu specifically dismissed the prospect of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who garnered significant support during the 2023 elections, becoming Nigeria’s first Igbo president.
When pressed about the timeline for an Igbo presidency, Kalu sidestepped the question, instead reinforcing his endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership. He noted that the APC National Executive Committee has already given Tinubu a vote of confidence through a motion proposed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and announced by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
“This president is not even doing politics. He has never told anybody he wants to run for election or not,” Kalu observed, suggesting that Tinubu’s focus remains on governance rather than electoral considerations. “But as a party, we have mandated him to run and given him a vote of confidence.”
Despite his reluctance to discuss the Igbo presidency directly, Kalu acknowledged its importance while emphasizing certain conditions. “I am not going to discuss anything about the Igbo presidency. But I still tell you there is a need for it,” he admitted before adding a crucial caveat: “The Igbo must present an acceptable candidate to all Nigerians. No one zone can make a president.”
The senator’s comments reflect the complex ethnic and regional dynamics that continue to shape Nigerian politics. He pointed out that Tinubu’s electoral success transcended ethnic boundaries: “President Tinubu was not elected by the Yoruba. He was elected by all Nigerians.”
Kalu’s statements arrive at a time when Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, including high inflation, currency devaluation, and fuel subsidy reforms implemented under Tinubu’s administration. These economic policies have generated mixed reactions across the country, with many citizens experiencing increased living costs alongside promises of long-term economic stability.
The senator’s endorsement of Tinubu for a second term appears to prioritize policy continuity over regional considerations. By suggesting that economic recovery requires time, Kalu implied that the current administration deserves the opportunity to complete its vision: “Things cannot just get better in one night.
As a prominent Igbo politician and former governor of Abia State, Kalu’s position on the presidency carries significant weight in southeastern political circles. His apparent willingness to postpone aspirations for an Igbo presidency in favor of supporting Tinubu signals potential alignments within the APC as the party begins positioning for the 2027 electoral cycle.
The debate surrounding an Igbo presidency has intensified since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. The Southeast remains the only major geopolitical zone yet to produce a president, leading to growing calls for equity in the country’s power distribution. Peter Obi’s strong showing in the 2023 elections, where he secured substantial votes across different regions, had rekindled hopes among supporters of an Igbo presidency.
However, Kalu’s comments suggest that within the APC, at least, such aspirations may need to wait until after 2031, assuming Tinubu secures and completes a second term. This timeline would potentially set the stage for renewed negotiations about power rotation among Nigeria’s diverse regions and ethnic groups.
The senator’s emphasis on presenting “an acceptable candidate to all Nigerians” also highlights the broader challenge facing any presidential aspirant from the Southeast. It underscores the need for cross-regional alliances and national appeal beyond ethnic considerations—factors that will likely shape political strategies as Nigeria moves toward the next electoral cycle.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Kalu’s declarative stance on Tinubu’s candidacy provides an early glimpse into potential party positions. Whether this represents a consensus view within the APC or merely reflects Kalu’s personal alignment remains to be seen as other party figures weigh in on the 2027 presidential race in the coming months.
The timing of these statements, nearly four years before the elections, demonstrates how long-term political positioning has already begun, even as the current administration works to address immediate governance challenges facing Africa’s most populous nation.
