By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Former Abia State Governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has dismissed allegations that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is manipulating the electoral system to weaken opposition parties, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains fully autonomous. Kalu made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the National Assembly lobby in Abuja on Tuesday during activities marking his 66th birthday. He described claims by opposition figures, including members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as “frivolous” and damaging to Nigeria’s democratic reputation.
According to the senator, the APC has no influence over INEC’s operations, emphasizing that the electoral umpire functions independently under its leadership.
“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… Let us stop this frivolity. People should take the electoral process seriously instead of de-marketing the country,” Kalu stated.
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He also rejected insinuations that the ruling party is coercing politicians particularly governors into defecting to its fold. Kalu maintained that party affiliation remains a matter of personal choice and political negotiation.
“President Bola Ahmed 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,” he added.
On political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly speculation that the Senate Presidency could be zoned to the South East, Kalu said he was unaware of any such arrangement. He stressed that zoning decisions are solely the prerogative of party leadership, noting that he is not actively lobbying for any position.
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Addressing concerns raised by some members of the 1999 class of governors over alleged marginalisation, Kalu downplayed the claims, asserting that President Tinubu maintains cordial relationships with his peers across political divides. On governance and regional inclusion, the senator cautioned against narratives suggesting that the South East has been sidelined in national development. He noted that both the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari and the current government have contributed to development across regions.
“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,” he said.
Turning to the economy, Kalu offered a measured assessment of ongoing reforms, acknowledging improvements at the macroeconomic level while highlighting persistent challenges at the grassroots, particularly insecurity and economic disruptions.
“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,” he explained.
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The senator expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections, describing the opposition as fragmented and lacking viable alternatives. He argued that the APC’s expanding membership base and growing national 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,” Kalu declared.
He concluded by urging political actors to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and offering credible policy alternatives, rather than engaging in what he described as unproductive criticism.
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