Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has pushed back against allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is deliberately weakening opposition parties, describing such claims as baseless and misleading.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja during his birthday celebration, Kalu insisted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not coerced any politician into defecting to the ruling party, nor interfered with the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He stressed that INEC remains an independent institution deserving of respect, dismissing accusations of political interference as “frivolous.”
“The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. It is an independent body, and we respect its leadership,” Kalu said, urging political stakeholders to take Nigeria’s democratic process more seriously.
On the wave of defections into the APC, the senator maintained that such decisions are voluntary and often the result of political negotiations rather than pressure from the presidency.
“President Tinubu has never asked anyone to leave their party or join APC. If anyone decides to join, that is their personal choice,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Kalu expressed strong confidence in Tinubu’s chances, arguing that opposition parties remain fragmented and lack compelling alternatives.
“I don’t see anyone defeating President Tinubu in a free and fair election,” he said, challenging opposition leaders to present clearer policy options to Nigerians.
Addressing speculation about zoning the Senate Presidency to the South East in 2027, Kalu said no such decision has been finalized, noting that it remains within the purview of party leadership.
He also dismissed claims that members of the 1999 political class have been sidelined, stating that many still maintain positive relationships with the president.
On regional development, Kalu rejected narratives that the South East has been neglected, pointing out that both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari contributed to the region’s growth.
Evaluating the administration’s economic reforms, the senator acknowledged existing challenges, particularly at the grassroots level, but maintained that the broader economic framework is beginning to attract investment.
“The top level of the reforms is working, but there are still issues at the lower level due to insecurity and sabotage. These reforms take time,” he explained.
Kalu likened the APC’s rising influence to “a moving train,” citing increasing grassroots support and defections across the country. However, he warned that sustaining the party’s dominance would require effective governance and careful management of its expanding membership base.
