Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed claims that the wave of endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid is being fueled by fears of potential opposition alliances.
Speaking to journalists from the Senate Press Corps in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu said the growing support for Tinubu is rooted in his bold leadership style and the transformative policies of his administration.
“The endorsements are not out of fear. They are a show of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” Kalu stated, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains unshaken by talk of coalitions.
“We have no one to fear. APC is the ruling party. We love this country deeply, and many of us are contributing by building industries to create jobs—even outside government,” he said.
Kalu emphasised that opposition criticism is a normal and necessary part of democracy, but warned against misinterpreting it as a sign of vulnerability from the ruling party.
“The opposition must fight. That’s their job. But our job is to deliver, and we are doing our job perfectly well. In the coming years, Nigerians will appreciate what Mr. President is doing,” he said.
On the president’s recent visit to the Vatican, which had sparked debates due to his faith, Kalu explained that Tinubu attended at the personal invitation of Pope Francis whom he described as a personal friend of the President.
“It would have been disrespectful if he ignored the Pope’s invitation. About 1.8 billion Catholics, including myself, appreciate that gesture. In 2027, Catholics will remember that,” he said.
When asked about the Southeast Endorsement and zone’s party loyalty, he disclosed that the Southeast caucus of the APC had long thrown its support behind President Tinubu, even before other endorsements were made.
He pointed to a prior endorsement led by key Southeast figures, including Governors and federal legislators.
“We endorsed him weeks ago, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma and co-chaired by the Governor of Ebonyi and the Deputy Speaker.
