Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has declared himself the most important politician from Nigeria’s South-East region, dismissing the political influence of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu downplayed Obi’s relevance, insisting that his political record and accomplishments far outweigh those of the former Anambra governor.
“He is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said confidently. “I have won two states before under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). I ran for president before. My 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”
When asked about his political future, Kalu said he would not rule out contesting for the presidency again if given the chance, adding that age would not be a barrier.
“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest,” he said. “The question is not age, it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver.”
Kalu also commented on the renewed agitation for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging caution and respect for the judicial process.
“You know this case is before a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not a very good thing for me to come out openly to start canvassing my opinion without knowing the position of the court or that of the President. The President is watching the judiciary closely,” he said.
The senator revealed that he had discussed Kanu’s case with President Bola Tinubu but declined to share details of their conversation.
“I have discussed this issue with the President many times, but I cannot tell you what I discussed with him. It’s a privilege for me to have spoken to the President. What matters is that everyone wants a peaceful resolution,” Kalu said.
He stressed the importance of backdoor diplomacy and expressed respect for the judiciary, warning against public commentary on an ongoing case.
“All of us are doing what I call backdoor diplomacy because of the utmost respect I have for the judiciary. We must not make Justice Nyako or any judge look like a fool by discussing this case publicly. Nigerians must respect the decisions of our courts,” he stated.
Kalu further noted that only the Attorney-General of the Federation has the constitutional authority to discontinue the case and urged those calling for Kanu’s immediate release to exercise patience and restraint