Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), has responded to his detractors by recalling the ridicule he faced upon joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016. He confidently asserted that the party is now robust enough to secure a decisive victory in the 2027 elections without depending on defections or incumbent governors.
During an interview on TVC News’ ‘Journalists’ Hangout’ on Monday, Kalu attributed the APC’s expanding influence in the South-East to unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and diligent effort rather than opportunistic politics.
“Back in 2016, I was the sole South-East figure in the APC. Many mocked me, labeling me foolish for joining a party that lacked any governors or lawmakers from our region,” Kalu recounted.
“Despite the skepticism, I remained steadfast and reassured the apc-pdp-and-nnpp-supporters-decamp-to-adc-in-katsina/” title=”…, PDP and NNPP supporters decamp to ADC in Katsina”>party leadership that success was imminent. By 2019, I became the first senator from the South-East elected under the APC banner. Today, the landscape has transformed-we now boast APC governors, senators, and House representatives throughout the zone.”
The former governor of Abia State emphasized that the party’s achievements in the region stem from intentional grassroots engagement and consistent loyalty, not from political convenience.
“Our victories are not built on defections or the influence of sitting governors. Instead, they are the fruits of persistent hard work. Politics demands dedication and tangible outcomes, not mere rhetoric,” he explained.
“We are actively mobilizing on the ground to ensure that President Tinubu and all APC candidates perform strongly in 2027, particularly in Abia and the wider South-East.”
Kalu expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s performance in the upcoming election will surpass previous efforts, highlighting increased trust in the administration and ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region.
“In 2019, President Buhari secured over 60% of the votes in my constituency, Abia North. Tinubu’s 2023 showing was weaker due to insufficient mobilization, but this time, we are fully prepared,” he stated.
“Our people are beginning to witness tangible improvements in roads and infrastructure. The President has reopened neglected routes and continues to advance development.”
Addressing the persistent issue of South-East marginalization, Kalu acknowledged the region’s historical neglect since the civil war but denied intentional marginalization by the current government.
“The South-East has been sidelined since the aftermath of the civil war, but it is not deliberately marginalized today,” he said.
“I was neither a participant nor a peacemaker in that conflict. What we require now is honesty and fairness so that all regions can progress together and contribute to national development.”
Regarding the detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the Senator urged Nigerians to respect the judicial process and allow the courts to handle the matter impartially.
“Nnamdi Kanu’s case is before a competent court, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on his potential release. Justice Omotosho is presiding over the case, and we must trust the judiciary to fulfill its constitutional role,” Kalu remarked.
He also defended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging their difficulty but emphasizing their necessity for sustainable recovery.
“Reforms inevitably bring challenges, but these hardships will pave the way for long-term benefits,” he said.
“I have sponsored legislation focused on social welfare and poverty alleviation, and I plan to engage the President to expedite its passage. It is crucial to demonstrate to Nigerians that their welfare remains a priority.”
Kalu highlighted significant federal road projects underway in the South-East, connecting key cities such as Enugu, Lokpanta, Aba, Port Harcourt, Bende, and Arochukwu-routes that were previously in disrepair but are now being rehabilitated.
“These roads were once nearly impassable, but reconstruction is now underway. The President is making substantial investments in our region, and I am optimistic that the 2026 budget will allocate even more resources for our development,” he noted.
Concluding with a pointed message to his critics, the former Senate Chief Whip declared, “They mocked me when I joined the APC, but now, we are poised to dominate the 2027 elections.”
