- By Kenneth Udeh
Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to undermine opposition parties through the electoral system, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains an autonomous institution deserving of respect.
Speaking with journalists at the National Assembly lobby in Abuja on Tuesday during activities marking his 66th birthday, the former Abia State governor described claims by opposition elements, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as “frivolous” and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic image.
According to him, the APC has no control over INEC, stressing that the electoral umpire, under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, operates independently.
Kalu said: “The APC as a party has nothing to do with INEC. INEC is an independent body and we have a lot of respect for the Chairman of INEC. He is an erudite Professor of Law… So, let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process and democracy seriously instead of de-marketing the country ”.
The lawmaker also rejected insinuations that the ruling party is coercing politicians, particularly governors, to defect into its fold. He maintained that party membership remains a matter of personal choice and negotiation, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never pressured anyone to join the APC.
“President Tinubu has never begged anybody to leave his party or to join our party… If a governor decides to join APC, that is his business. When you come, we negotiate; if it is good, you stay; if not, you go your way. Nobody is forcing anybody,” he stated.
On permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly speculations that the Senate Presidency may be zoned to the South East, Kalu said he was unaware of any such arrangement, describing zoning decisions as the exclusive prerogative of party leadership. While not ruling himself out, he emphasized that he is not lobbying for any position.
“I’m not aware of that. It is for the leadership of the party to decide. If anything is given to me, I will take, but I’m not going out of my way to look for anything,” he said.
Addressing concerns raised by some members of the 1999 class of governors about alleged marginalisation by the current administration, Kalu downplayed the claims, asserting that President Tinubu maintains cordial relations with his contemporaries.
He cited recent interactions between the President and several former governors as evidence of ongoing engagement.
On governance and regional development, the former Senate Chief Whip cautioned against narratives suggesting that the South East has been sidelined in successive administrations.
He noted that both the late Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu have contributed meaningfully to national development, including the South East.
“Every President has something to add. Buhari has contributed his quota, Tinubu is contributing his quota. We are getting what we are supposed to get… maybe even more today. That does not mean Buhari did not do well,” Kalu remarked.
Turning to the economy, the senator offered a nuanced assessment of the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda, stating that while macroeconomic indicators show progress, challenges persist at the grassroots level due to insecurity and sabotage.
“The upper end of the reform is working… investors are coming in. But the lower end has problems because of insecurity and sabotage. Reforms take time; they don’t happen in one day,” he explained, drawing parallels with long-term reform trajectories in countries like China and Singapore.
Kalu further expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027, describing the opposition as weak and lacking viable alternatives. He argued that the APC’s growing membership base and nationwide acceptance position it strongly ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“I don’t think anybody will defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair election… APC is like a moving train. Even in places that were not APC before, people are joining. We are rocking like a hurricane,” he declared.
The senator concluded by urging political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and presenting credible policy alternatives, rather than engaging in what he described as unproductive criticism.
