Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission (SSDC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not rely on political defections or the influence of sitting governors to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Kalu, who represents Abia North under the APC, made this known during an appearance on TVC News’ Journalists’ Hangout anchored by Babajide Otitoju on Monday. He attributed the party’s growing presence in the South-East to “consistency, sacrifice, and hard work,” rather than political convenience.
“When I joined the APC in 2016, I was the only South-East leader in the party,” he recalled. “People mocked me, called me names, and thought I was mad to join a party that had no governor or lawmaker from our region. But I stood my ground and kept assuring the party leadership that it would be well. In 2019, I became the first senator elected on the APC platform from the South-East, and today the story has changed. We now have APC governors, senators, and House members across the zone.”
The former Abia State governor emphasized that the party’s 2027 strategy is rooted in grassroots mobilisation. “We are not relying on governors or defections to win. We are relying on hard work. Politics is about commitment and results, not noise,” he said. “We are on the ground and determined to ensure that President Tinubu and all APC candidates perform well in 2027, especially in Abia and across the South-East.”
Kalu expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will perform significantly better in the South-East during the next general elections, pointing to growing public confidence in the APC-led government and visible federal projects in the region.
“In 2019, President Buhari got over 60% of the votes in my constituency, Abia North. Tinubu didn’t do well in 2023 because we didn’t mobilise enough, but this time, we are ready. Our people are beginning to see progress in roads and infrastructure. The President has opened up roads long abandoned, and he’s doing it,” he said.
On the long-standing debate about marginalisation, Kalu clarified his stance: “The South-East is not really marginalised, but we were put out of the scheme of things since after the civil war. I didn’t start the war, I didn’t fight in it, and I didn’t end it. What we need is sincerity and equity so that we can all move together and develop the country.”
Addressing the case of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, the senator urged Nigerians to respect the judicial process. “Nnamdi Kanu’s case is before a competent court, and it would be unfair for me to comment on his release. Justice Omotosho is handling the matter, and we should allow the courts to do their work. Nigerians must learn to respect the judiciary,” he stated.
Kalu further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing it as a necessary step that will yield long-term benefits despite current economic hardships. “Reforms come with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Nigerians are feeling pain, yes, but these pains will lead to long-term gain. I’ve already sponsored a bill on social welfare and investment to reduce poverty, and I’ll meet the President to fast-track it. We must show Nigerians that we have them in our hearts,” he said.
The senator also highlighted ongoing federal infrastructure projects across the South-East, including road rehabilitation works linking Enugu, Lokpanta, Aba, Port Harcourt, Bende, and Arochukwu.
“Before now, those roads were impassable. Today, they are being rebuilt. The President is doing a lot in our region, and I’m confident that the 2026 budget will reflect even more development for our people,” he added.
