Former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared his readiness to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 if President Bola Tinubu opts not to seek a second term. Kalu made this assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening.
Kalu expressed confidence in his qualifications and capabilities to lead the nation, stating, “I am qualified to be president and I am competent. We already have a candidate in our political party unless he decides not to run. If the party gives me the opportunity, it would be a privilege. It’s not about my personal desire, but about the opportunity the party offers.”
While emphasizing his preparedness for the 2027 presidential race, Kalu maintained that his primary goal for that year is to return to the Senate and continue his legislative work, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Kalu also weighed in on Nigeria's current economic situation, attributing the hardship to the country's failure to develop robust economic systems over the years. He highlighted that Nigeria's economic troubles are largely due to the absence of strong infrastructure and well-established institutions that support sustainable growth.
“Nigeria’s economic struggles are due to the absence of proper economic processes. We’ve never had an organized economy. We lack essential infrastructure like stable electricity, and the institutions that support economic growth are weak,” Kalu stated. Despite his criticisms, he commended President Tinubu’s administration for making tough but necessary decisions to address these systemic issues.
“President Tinubu is making tough decisions for the future, and while some might agree or disagree, they are necessary to strengthen the economy. Nigerians are indeed suffering, but much of this stems from decades of poor economic decisions,” he added.
The senator further called for austerity measures within the government, urging officials to minimize spending and reduce unnecessary expenditures. He advocated for cutting down on foreign aid and aligning the country's finances with its current economic realities.
Kalu offered rare insights into Tinubu’s leadership style, revealing that the president is deeply aware of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. “President Tinubu knows the streets well. He sometimes drives around Abuja at night to observe what’s happening and to stay connected to the people. He’s not the type of president who stays isolated,” Kalu disclosed.
While Kalu positions himself for future political opportunities, his candid comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges and leadership dynamics are likely to continue sparking discussions in the political space.
