Senator representing Abia North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has firmly rejected a call by the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) to run for president in 2027.
The group had proposed Kalu as a candidate, suggesting Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal or Adamawa State Governor Umar Fintiri as his running mate.
The coalition of 40 groups made the request during a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
NYLF President Eliot Afiyo named Obasanjo as the forum’s patron and listed Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Senator Kalu as their preferred flag bearers for 2027.
However, Kalu, in a statement issued by his media office and signed by George Maduka, distanced himself from any presidential ambitions, stressing that his focus remains on supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and dismissed speculations about a rift within the party regarding the 2027 presidential ticket.
According to Kalu, President Tinubu requires support to sustain the economic reforms currently underway.
“The presidency in 2027 is definitely out of the question for Senator Kalu. He has publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election and is committed to supporting his administration’s policies,” the statement read.
Kalu further stated that Tinubu’s economic policies are vital for Nigeria’s stability and development.
“To sustain these reforms, there must be a focus on long-term stability, inclusivity, and adaptability, and the President needs the maximum eight years to achieve this,” he said.
Kalu noted that his friendship predates their governorship tenures in 1999, even as he lauded Tinubu’s courage in tackling Nigeria’s economic challenges and urged citizens to rally behind his leadership.
“No Nigerian leader has taken on the challenge of reforming Nigeria’s dwindling economy like President Tinubu. Since he has taken the bull by the horns, the best thing Nigerians can do is to encourage him and re-elect him in 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” Kalu stated.
He also called on opposition figures to focus on their own political ambitions rather than attempting to drag him into their battles.