THE Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has asserted that he remains the most influential politician in Nigeria’s South-East region, dismissing the political influence of former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking today in an interview Kalu said his political achievements and legacy outweigh Obi’s, insisting that he commands greater political significance in the region.
“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu stated confidently.
“I have won two states before under the PPA. I ran for president in 2007 and got 4.9 million votes. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”
When asked about his political future, the senator said age would not hinder him from contesting for the presidency if given the opportunity, citing former U.S. President Donald Trump as an example.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. It’s not about age; it’s about competence and capacity to deliver,” he said.
On the issue of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu called for caution, urging Nigerians to respect the judiciary and avoid public commentary on a matter still in court.
“You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It’s not good to start making public statements when the President and the judiciary are already handling it,” Kalu noted.
He revealed that he has had several discussions with President Bola Tinubu concerning Kanu’s case but declined to share details, describing his interactions with the President as privileged.
“What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,” he added.
Kalu also emphasized that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the authority to withdraw the case, urging those agitating for Kanu’s immediate release to exercise patience.
“All of us are engaged in what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the respect we have for the judiciary. We must not undermine the courts by debating ongoing cases publicly,” he cautioned.
The senator reaffirmed his loyalty to due process, reiterating the importance of allowing the judiciary to complete its work without undue interference.