Former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has publicly declared himself the most important politician in Nigeria’s South-East region, distancing himself from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Kalu emphatically stated that Peter Obi is not his leader, underscoring his political influence and legacy in the region.
Speaking on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," Kalu made it clear that he would only discuss Peter Obi in a direct debate if both were present. He emphasized that as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he refrains from discussing Obi unless it’s in such a forum. He challenged any comparison with Obi by highlighting his own political achievements, including winning two states under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and securing 4.9 million presidential votes as far back as 2007.
Kalu also asserted his enduring influence, reminding that during his tenure in PPA, he helped field ministers and ambassadors and ran a robust political platform in the South-East. “Anybody can run for president,” Kalu remarked, “but ask me questions that concern me.” He dismissed assumptions that the South-East automatically rallies behind Peter Obi, emphasizing his own standing and political relevance.
In addition to asserting his prominence, Kalu addressed the broader political landscape, including the ongoing Igbo quest for the Nigerian presidency. Despite his personal belief that the South-East deserves the presidency, Kalu admitted his loyalty to the APC’s decision to back President Bola Tinubu for a second term, describing himself as “caged” within party discipline. He stressed fairness, justice, and equity as more important than the ethnicity or region of a president.
This robust declaration by Orji Uzor Kalu comes amid ongoing political realignments in the South-East and Nigeria at large as the 2027 general elections approach. His statements are poised to fuel political debates within the region about leadership and representation.