Opposition Too Weak to Challenge Tinubu in 2027 – Orji Uzor Kalu

Former Abia State governor and senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that the opposition lacks the strength to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking after the APC primary election, Kalu said President Tinubu “has no competitor” both within the ruling party and among opposition parties, which he described as fragmented and weak.

“The President has no competition in 2027. The opposition is very weak,” Kalu said. “I pity the opposition, because I thought as they have marched together to one party, they could have been together to be able to fight our party.”

He added that despite economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms, Nigerians were beginning to understand and appreciate the administration’s policies.

“The reforms are difficult, very, very difficult,” he admitted. “Even we in the manufacturing sector are affected. Capacity utilisation is low, output is low, and raw material input is also low. But we will overcome. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Kalu defended the Tinubu administration’s economic direction, arguing that reforms were necessary to stabilise the economy, particularly in terms of fuel prices and exchange rates.

“If we don’t do these reforms, we cannot move forward,” he said. “President Tinubu has been able to start stabilising the economy.”

The senator also pointed to what he described as overwhelming support for the President during the APC primary in his ward, revealing that nearly 5,000 registered members participated.

According to him, about 4,800 people turned out to endorse Tinubu’s candidacy, a development he attributed to growing confidence in the administration.

Kalu further expressed confidence in his own political future, insisting he had no serious challenger for the Abia North Senate seat in 2027.

“I don’t even have a competition,” he said. “What I have done here in six years is what people cannot do in 50 years.”

He dismissed claims that he acquired his home at Camp Neya in Igbere through the Abia State government, stating that his country home was commissioned on the 28th of May 1999 by the Military Administrator in the State, Colonel Anthony Obi, while he became Governor of the State on the 29th of May 1999.

Highlighting his achievements, Kalu cited road projects, community development initiatives, and investments in industries and factories in his hometown of Igbere, as well as other parts of Abia North.

He also urged residents of the district to remain hopeful, recalling his time as governor when, according to him, salaries, gratuities, free education, and healthcare were consistently provided.

“Keep hope alive,” Kalu told constituents. “The lives and benefits of our people come first and last.”