The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Tuesday, said that the All Progressives Congress remains unfazed by the newly formed opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Abia North lawmaker and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission said the APC is focused on governance and national development, not political distractions.
“We are not losing sleep. APC has no reason to be afraid. We are the ruling party and passionate about Nigeria’s progress. Many of us are investing in industries to create jobs beyond politics,” he said.
Kalu dismissed speculations that the endorsements for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election were a response to rising opposition influence.
According to him, the growing support reflects public confidence in the President’s leadership and policies.
“These endorsements are not about fear. They’re a result of the President’s bold decisions and transformative governance,” Kalu noted.
Addressing the criticism from opposition parties, the former Senate Chief Whip said dissent is a normal part of democracy, but urged that it not be mistaken for a sign of weakness in the APC.
“The opposition has every right to challenge us. That’s their job. But ours is to deliver results, and we are doing just that. In time, Nigerians will come to appreciate the tough choices this administration has made,” he added.
Kalu also defended Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, which drew reactions over the President’s faith background. He clarified that the visit was at the personal invitation of Pope Francis, a close associate of the president.
“It would have been disrespectful to ignore such an invitation. As a Catholic myself, I know that 1.8 billion Catholics globally, including Nigerians, value that gesture. In 2027, many will remember it,” he said.
Highlighting internal party dynamics, Kalu revealed that the APC South-East caucus — comprising governors and federal lawmakers — had thrown its support behind Tinubu’s second term bid even before the wave of public endorsements began.
“We were the first to endorse him. That meeting, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by Ebonyi State’s Governor and the Deputy Speaker, was where the national endorsement truly started,” he said, pointing proudly to his attire adorned with Tinubu’s campaign insignia.
Commenting on the economy, Kalu praised Tinubu’s tough reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification. While acknowledging the current economic hardships, he insisted the steps were necessary to stabilize the country.
“As a businessman, I know that these are tough but needed choices. This is the first president to end the era of cheap money. He’s saying, ‘Earn your wealth legitimately.’ That’s real reform,” he said.
Kalu expressed optimism that the economic policies already impacting the macro level will soon translate into relief for ordinary Nigerians.
“President Tinubu is not just a Southern leader. His re-election in 2027 will be supported by both North and South. We’re united in the goal to keep Nigeria whole and thriving,” he concluded.
