No fear in endorsing Tinubu for reelection – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that the surge of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 is driven by trust in his leadership, not fear of opposition forces.

The Abia-North Senator, speaking to members of the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly on Tuesday, dismissed the notion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is rattled by emerging political coalitions.

“We are not afraid. APC is the ruling party. We believe in Nigeria, and we are focused on building the country, not playing petty politics,” Kalu asserted.

The former Senate Chief Whip credited President Tinubu’s growing support to his readiness to confront long-standing national challenges.

He pointed to subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates as bold decisions that reflect a president willing to break from populist appeasement.

“I’m a businessman, not just a politician. This is the first president telling Nigerians the truth—that wealth must come from work, not shortcuts,” he said.

Kalu acknowledged that the economic reforms are tough but necessary, and expressed optimism that their benefits would soon reach ordinary Nigerians.

Highlighting the Southeast’s role in the wave of endorsements, Kalu revealed that the region’s leaders within the APC were among the first to back Tinubu’s second term.

“We started the endorsements. The meeting was led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, with support from the Governors and Deputy Speaker. We believe in Tinubu’s vision,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed the region’s political loyalty and active contributions to nation-building efforts under the current administration.

Kalu defended Tinubu’s recent trip to the Vatican – an event that drew criticism in some circles due to religious undertones.

He clarified that the visit was at the personal invitation of Pope Leo, whom he described as a friend of the President.

“The Catholic Church values respect. Ignoring the Pope’s invitation would have been an insult to over a billion Catholics. We noticed and we will remember,” he added.