Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State and the current representative of Abia North Senatorial District, has openly declared that he is qualified to run for president in the 2027 elections. Kalu, who made this announcement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, explained that his decision to contest will depend on whether President Bola Tinubu seeks a second term in office.
In the interview, Kalu expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “First and foremost, I am qualified to be president, and I am competent to hold the office.” He emphasized that his political party already has a candidate, presumably President Tinubu, but if Tinubu decides not to run for a second term, Kalu would consider it a privilege to be selected by his party to represent them. However, he noted that his ambition isn’t solely focused on the presidency. “If the party gives me the opportunity to fly their flag, it’s a privilege. My interest in 2027 is to return to the Senate, to continue my work as a lawmaker. Being president would be an opportunity given by the party, but my current focus is on legislative duties,” Kalu explained.
Shifting from his presidential aspirations, Kalu delved into the current economic challenges facing Nigeria. He expressed his concerns about the country’s lack of structured economic policies, which he believes have left Nigeria in a precarious situation. According to Kalu, Nigeria’s economy has been disorganized for decades, which has contributed to the nation’s struggles today. He pointed out that since gaining independence over 60 years ago, Nigeria has failed to develop a stable, organized economy.
Kalu highlighted that one of the most pressing issues is the absence of strong economic institutions. He argued that Nigeria has no proper infrastructure to drive its economy forward, stating, “We have no organized economy. Our power supply is unreliable, our stock exchange is just starting to grow, and the institutions that should drive the economy are weak.” He added that these systemic issues have worsened the economic hardship felt by many Nigerians, and this is something President Bola Tinubu is attempting to address.
Kalu acknowledged the efforts of President Tinubu in rebuilding Nigeria’s economic institutions. However, he was careful to note that while the president is making efforts to make tough decisions, there is a possibility that some of these decisions may not always be correct. “President Tinubu is trying to restore institutions, and while his decisions could be right or wrong, at least he is making decisions. The record shows that there is deflation worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. However, our situation seems worse because we have never had a properly organized economy.”
Kalu’s analysis of Nigeria’s economic problems extended to his criticism of the government’s spending habits. He strongly believes that for the country to move forward, there must be a reduction in government expenses. “People in government need to adopt austerity measures,” he said. He explained that scaling down unnecessary expenses, gifts to other countries, and other non-essential government activities is essential for Nigeria to stabilize its economy. Kalu likened the government’s current spending to someone living beyond their means, insisting that it’s time for Nigeria to “sew its coat according to its size.” He urged the government to focus on cutting down expenses to reflect the harsh economic realities Nigerians are facing.
Speaking on the suffering of Nigerians, Kalu did not hold back. He noted that many Nigerians are facing severe hardship, with hunger being a widespread issue. He acknowledged that while President Tinubu is making tough decisions to reshape the future, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is severe. “The Nigerian people are hungry, and the president knows this. The decisions that are being made now may be tough, but they are necessary for the country’s future,” Kalu said.
Kalu also shared insights into the president’s hands-on approach to leadership. According to him, President Tinubu is not disconnected from the everyday realities faced by Nigerians. Kalu stated that the president often drives around Abuja at night, visiting different areas to observe what is happening in the city firsthand. This, Kalu argued, is proof that Tinubu understands the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. “The president is a street person. He knows the street very well, and he sometimes uses his car to drive around Abuja to see what is going on,” Kalu remarked. He commended Tinubu for not being a “president locked up in a room,” noting that his active engagement with the city allows him to stay informed about the challenges facing his people, from insecurity to economic hardships.
Kalu reiterated that while he is qualified to serve as president, his focus remains on his work as a lawmaker in the Senate. Should the opportunity arise for him to contest in 2027, he would consider it a great privilege. However, his ultimate goal is to continue serving Nigeria in whatever capacity he is called to do. For now, Kalu’s priority lies in addressing the country’s pressing issues, particularly in the area of economic reform, and ensuring that tough but necessary decisions are made for the long-term benefit of Nigeria.