Orji Uzor Kalu Rallies Southeast Behind Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Says “We Cannot Afford to Be Left Behind”

 

Kalu Leads Southeast Push for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election, Calls for Unity in Abia APC

In a decisive show of loyalty and political strategy, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that the Southeast geopolitical zone is coalescing around a common goal: securing a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate and is a former governor of Abia State, made the assertion during a high-level All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting at his residence in Abuja over the weekend. The gathering brought together key political figures from the state and party loyalists determined to consolidate their efforts under a united front.

According to Kalu, the consensus within the zone is growing stronger by the day, as influential voices across the Southeast recognize the importance of aligning with the federal government and leveraging the political benefits it provides.

“We are more united now than ever because President Tinubu, during the last APC NEC meeting, gave us a directive to reconcile members of the party in our states,” he said. “He knows we are capable of doing that, and we are grateful to our constituents for believing in our mission.”

The Abuja meeting saw the participation of prominent APC figures including Donatus Nwankpa, APC National Welfare Secretary; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; former Commissioner for Finance Obinna Oriaku; and other party stalwarts such as Sam Ikiri, Mike Nwabara, Ndukwe Maxwell, Nnanna Kalu, Emeka Atuma, and Chidi Maduekwe.

The reconciliation effort, Kalu explained, is being driven by the president’s expressed concern over the political fragmentation within the Abia chapter of the APC. “The last time I went to see President Tinubu, he was not pleased about the situation in Abia. I assured him that we would work hard to rebuild a united and indivisible party structure in the state,” he stated.

For Kalu, unity within the party is not just a political necessity but a strategic imperative. He emphasized that APC’s strength in Abia would translate into broader development gains for the people through federal backing. “They can see what is happening in Abia North in terms of federal government interventions,” he noted, attributing the region’s progress to the support of both former President Buhari and the current administration.

He further warned that any political figure choosing to remain outside the APC fold could find themselves politically isolated. “Everybody must roll with us. Anyone who doesn’t might regret it. We are the government in power and the time to work together is now,” Kalu cautioned.

Reflecting on his own political track record, the senator underscored his consistent rapport with the people of Abia. “I was a very good governor and I’m a very good senator. My people know I’ve never misled them,” he said. “We will field credible candidates across all positions—from the House of Assembly to the presidency.”

As 2027 approaches, Kalu revealed that behind-the-scenes mobilization is already underway, not just in Abia, but across the Southeast. He disclosed that he had received President Tinubu’s blessing to engage governors and other stakeholders in the region to galvanize support.

“Even though I wasn’t physically present when the president visited Enugu, I had his permission to speak to all Southeast governors,” Kalu said. “We are working, we’re not resting. The president knows who the real planners are, and we’re executing our plans with precision.”

Kalu also took pride in his longstanding association with Tinubu, describing the political veterans of the 1999 governors' class as a tough and influential group. “We are a formidable class. When we decide to plan, we execute,” he said confidently.

In his closing remarks, the senator delivered a pointed message to the people of Abia: “We have a president who is going for a second term. Abia must align with the center. We cannot afford to be speaking differently. This is the consensus of the Southeast, and I challenge anyone to mark my words.”

With these developments, the APC in Abia appears poised for a political reset, with Kalu at the helm of efforts to solidify regional unity and drive the Southeast's engagement with Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.