By Henry Umoru – Abuja | Vanguard News | June 2, 2025
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), has declared that his open endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election is rooted in patriotism and principle—not personal ambition or political sycophancy.
Speaking during an exclusive interview on Politics Today aired on Channels Television, Kalu clarified recent public controversy sparked by his appearance at the Senate chamber wearing an outfit branded “Tinubu for President 2027.” The senator stated emphatically that the attire was not a calculated act of political flattery but rather a symbolic “uniform” supporting continuity and national progress.
“I’m not a man who is sycophantic. I don’t seek favours from anybody. My support for President Tinubu is based on belief in his ability to stabilise and transform Nigeria, not for personal gain,” Kalu affirmed.
“The 2027 Uniform” and Why It Matters
Senator Kalu’s outfit has been widely discussed across social and traditional media, prompting questions about timing, motive, and political sensitivity. Critics labeled it premature and tone-deaf given Nigeria’s economic challenges, but Kalu was quick to downplay the uproar.
“The dress was made in Aba, dyed in Aba, and delivered in Aba. It’s fashionable, and I will wear it again. There is nothing sycophantic about it. I wore it proudly because we are preparing for the future,” he said.
When pressed about whether his move was a subtle attempt to position himself as Tinubu’s unofficial campaign manager, Kalu didn’t shy away.
“If the president wants me to campaign for him, I will be glad to do so. I have nothing to hide and nothing to lose,” he added.
“I Funded the PDP in 1998, But Never Benefitted”
Senator Kalu took a trip down memory lane, recalling his instrumental role in founding the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998. According to him, he provided over ₦500 million to support the party’s formation and even contributed more than $1 million to President Obasanjo’s campaign fund.
“I was the biggest importer of rice, sugar, and petroleum products at the time. I used my own funds to build the PDP. I gave, but I never received anything back from government,” Kalu lamented.
Despite his PDP roots, Kalu is now a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and he maintains that his current political activities are focused on national development, not partisan bickering.
Economic Reality: Tinubu Made the Right Call
On Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery, Kalu praised President Tinubu’s bold decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and efforts to stabilise the naira.
“The subsidy removal even affected me personally. I own two tank farms. But it was the right decision for the nation’s future. Rich people speculating on forex are the real enemies of progress,” he stated.
He also noted that although manufacturers and the lower-income class are feeling the brunt of reforms, long-term indicators are beginning to show promise.
“Fuel prices are stable, and the dollar rate is settling. The macroeconomic side is improving. In two more years, Nigerians will see the real benefit of Tinubu’s reforms,” he asserted.
A Call for Unity and Patriotism
Perhaps most striking was Kalu’s appeal for national unity and the end of tribalism in politics. He urged Nigerians to see themselves as citizens first, not as members of ethnic or religious factions.
“Tinubu is not a Yoruba president. He is a Nigerian president. Let’s stop dividing ourselves by region. I have proposed legislation to remove tribal identity from official documents. We must start thinking like a united nation,” Kalu emphasized.
Not a Politician, But a Nation-Builder
Describing himself more as an industrialist than a career politician, Kalu reiterated his commitment to economic development. He currently employs over 14,000 Nigerians and is planning to expand his investments to create more jobs.
“People who criticize me have never built an industry. I think more about ordinary Nigerians than those throwing insults online. The real political terrorism is people who want to grab power at all costs,” he stated.
Final Words: “Let’s Build, Not Destroy”
In a climate where political rivalry often turns toxic, Senator Kalu’s message was clear: focus on building Nigeria, not tearing it apart. He called for an end to hate speech, tribalism, and the abuse of public discourse.
“Tinubu, Atiku, Amaechi – they are all friends. Nigerians must stop fighting themselves. It’s not fashionable anymore. Let’s build our country with love and commitment,” he concluded.
Meta Title:
Senator Orji Kalu Defends Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid: “I Am Not a Sycophant”
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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says his support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election is based on patriotism, not personal ambition. Read his explosive comments on PDP, economy, and national unity.
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#OrjiUzorKalu #Tinubu2027 #NigerianPolitics #APC #PDP #FuelSubsidy #NationalUnity #EconomicReform #VanguardNews #2027Elections #ChannelsTV #PoliticsToday
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