……Vows to Shift Focus to Agriculture in 2027, Calls for Honest Opposition Politics
Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), representing Abia North and former governor of Abia State, has thrown his full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dismissing claims that the wave of endorsements for the president stem from fear of an emerging opposition coalition.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Kalu, who is also a prominent businessman and philanthropist, stated categorically that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has “nobody to fear.” He emphasized that members of the party are passionate about Nigeria’s progress and are committed to nation-building through industrial development.
“We are a ruling party. We love Nigeria. And that is why most of us are building industries all over Nigeria so people can have jobs… there’s nothing like fear,” Kalu asserted.
On Tinubu’s controversial visit to the Vatican during the Pope’s inauguration, which some critics argued should have been delegated to a Christian official, Kalu dismissed the criticism as baseless. He disclosed that Tinubu and the Pope share a personal relationship dating back to Chicago, adding that the Pope personally invited the President.
“Mr. President obeyed the Pope. And the Catholics will respect and appreciate him for that obedience in 2027,” he said.
Kalu further revealed that the Southeast APC caucus had endorsed President Tinubu weeks before the national endorsement, highlighting the support of key regional leaders, including Governor Hope Uzodinma and the Deputy Speaker.
On President Tinubu’s economic policies, the senator acknowledged current hardships but maintained that Nigerians would feel the benefits in the next few years.
“People are still suffering, yes. But the macro-level indices are improving… This is the first President that stopped fuel subsidy, merged the naira, and is insisting that people earn money the right way,” he said.
He criticized the culture of quick wealth through “tank farms” and currency speculation, stressing the need for hard work and productivity.
Kalu, known for consistently winning “Best Senator” awards, pledged a major policy shift in 2027 from infrastructure development to agriculture. Drawing from his days as governor, he plans to reintegrate farming into the daily lives of Abians, including civil servants.
“In 2027, everything will not be roads and schools again. We will move totally to agriculture,” he promised.
He described his political and philanthropic work as a passion rather than a job, stating that his foundation continues to fund development projects in schools and roads across the North and South.
“I don’t even have a bank account. For me, it’s to spend everything I have to lift people up,” he declared.
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Kalu also condemned dishonest politics, urging both opposition and ruling party members to always speak the truth, regardless of political affiliations.
When asked about his symbolic attire endorsing President Tinubu, he laughed and said, “It’s already out there. People are wearing it. You people just have a golden eye to notice.”
Senator Kalu’s remarks reaffirm both his loyalty to the current administration and his enduring vision for grassroots development in Nigeria.
