Former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared his readiness to contest for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 if President Bola Tinubu opts not to run for a second term. Kalu made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday evening.
“I am qualified to be president and I am competent,” Kalu said. “We already have a candidate in our political party unless he decides not to run. If the party gives me the opportunity, it would be a privilege. It’s not about my personal desire, but about the opportunity the party offers.”
Despite his readiness to run for the presidency, Kalu emphasized that his main focus for 2027 is to return to the Senate and continue his legislative work, unless circumstances change.
Regarding the current economic challenges in Nigeria, Kalu attributed the hardship to a lack of strong economic systems. He criticized the country’s historical failure to develop a stable economy over the last 60 years and urged for a reduction in government spending.
“Nigeria’s economic struggles are due to the absence of proper economic processes. We’ve never had an organized economy. We lack essential infrastructure like stable electricity, and the institutions that support economic growth are weak,” Kalu explained. He further praised President Tinubu’s efforts to rebuild these institutions, though he acknowledged that some of the decisions being made could be contentious.
“President Tinubu is making tough decisions for the future, and while some might agree or disagree, they are necessary to strengthen the economy. Nigerians are indeed suffering, but much of this stems from decades of poor economic decisions,” Kalu said.
Kalu also called for austerity measures within the government, urging officials to cut down on expenses. He advocated for scaling back unnecessary spending and reducing foreign aid to other countries, as part of an effort to align the country’s finances with its economic reality.
In a rare insight into Tinubu’s leadership style, Kalu revealed that the president is personally aware of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians. “President Tinubu knows the streets well. He sometimes drives around Abuja at night to observe what’s happening and to stay connected to the people. He’s not the type of president who stays isolated,” Kalu noted.
