Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State and current senator representing Abia North, has opened up on a range of political issues, expressing strong support for President Bola Tinubu while calling for the dismissal of underperforming members of his cabinet. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu also reflected on the personal cost of his political journey, including financial losses and the seizure of his businesses by the federal government during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Kalu declared that he personally funded much of the activities of the Abia State government during his tenure as governor, emphasizing that politics has brought him more losses than gains. “I spent my own money being governor, just like I’m spending my money today as a senator. I used to finance the state. I never benefited anything from being governor. Rather, I lost a lot of money. The federal government took a lot of my businesses,” he said.
Defending his decision to wear an outfit bearing the inscription “Tinubu for President 2027” to the Senate plenary, Kalu dismissed accusations of sycophancy, explaining that it was simply a dress made by tailors in Aba. He maintained that his support for Tinubu’s re-election is not driven by personal ambition. “Can a man like me be sycophantic? I’m not running for anything. I’m only running to return to the Senate,” he said.
Kalu also clarified that he would be honored to serve as Tinubu’s campaign manager for 2027, saying, “What is wrong with that? I will be very happy to accept it and do the job for him. I don’t have anything to regret.”
While reaffirming his belief in national unity, Kalu criticized the emphasis on regional identity and called for Nigerians to see themselves as one. “President Tinubu is not the president of the South but the candidate of Nigeria, and I am a Nigerian,” he stated. He advocated for a law eliminating references to local government and state of origin from official forms, insisting that people should identify only as Nigerians.
Addressing the issue of whether it was insensitive to begin talking about 2027 when the country faces economic hardship, Kalu said political activities must continue within the framework of party operations. He emphasized freedom of speech and association, noting that he has the right to express his views and dress as he chooses.
On economic matters, Kalu said he does not regret his earlier remarks that many Nigerians rely on “easy money,” reiterating that some wealthy individuals profit through speculative practices and subsidies rather than hard work. “Most rich people lie on their beds and wait for subsidies or arbitrage on dollars. They’re not building industries,” he said, adding that he still employs over 14,000 Nigerians and is actively investing in new businesses.
He also weighed in on President Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. While acknowledging that macroeconomic stability is improving, he stressed that many Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits. “Nigerians in the lower class are still suffering. The changes are trickling down and may take another one to two years before results are visible,” he said.
Kalu criticized the security situation in the country and called for decisive action. He urged President Tinubu to sack ineffective ministers and security chiefs, arguing that their performance is not meeting the expectations of Nigerians. “Some people working with President Tinubu should be relieved of their duties. If he takes my advice, some of the security chiefs will also go. There is no sentiment about redeeming Nigeria if we really want to relieve Nigeria,” he declared.
The senator also touched on his historical role in Nigerian politics, claiming he was a key financier in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. “I gave former President Obasanjo over $1 million to campaign with and the party over ₦500 million to start. I brought the money used to form the PDP,” he said, adding that he does not regret it and holds no grudges against former allies.
Assessing Tinubu’s two years in office, Kalu gave a mixed review, noting that while the economy shows signs of progress, insurgency and insecurity remain serious challenges. He suggested stricter controls on currency circulation and a more focused strategy to restore national security and agricultural productivity.
Kalu concluded by calling for unity among Nigerians across all classes and political divides. “There is too much hatred among politicians and across social classes. We need to come together and lift Nigerians up. Every day we come to fight and abuse — it’s no longer fashionable,” he said.
